Factors contributing to the quality of end-of-life care.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the factors influencing healthcare for the elderly and the terminally ill in modern health care.


METHODS
Selected articles, Internet sources, and legal sources.


CONCLUSIONS
Despite increasing use of advance directives, patients are not given adequate information at an appropriate time to make informed decisions. Even when advance directives are in place, they may not be honored.


CONCLUSIONS
Among the most critical areas to consider in improving end-of-life care are encouraging patients to make known their wishes, respecting patients' concerns about quality of life, and promoting continuity and skill in end-of-life care.
Gabany
J M
JM
jgabany@hotmail.com
D016223:Advance Directives; D000368:Aged; D003266:Continuity of Patient Care; D005260:Female; D005853:Geriatrics / Q000592:standards*; D006291:Health Policy; D006801:Humans; D016365:Liability, Legal; D008297:Male; D009722:Nurse Practitioners; D010166:Palliative Care / Q000592:standards*; D011787:Quality of Health Care; D011788:Quality of Life; D013727:Terminal Care / Q000592:standards*