Killing George with kindness--is there such a thing as too much palliative care?
Early referral and anticipatory planning are central tenets of good palliative care. Each case, however, needs to be considered on its merits. Too many supports put in place at the wrong time may have adverse consequences for some patients. A clear understanding of the patient's understanding of their illness and prognosis, and appreciation of their mental state at each stage, are important in determining how much palliative care is enough.
Mitchell
Geoff
G
University of Queensland. g.mitchell@uq.edu.au
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000368:Aged; D001293:Attitude to Death; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003863:Depression / Q000209:etiology; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008654:Mesothelioma / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D010166:Palliative Care / Q000379:methods* / Q000523:psychology*; D013405:Suicide / Q000523:psychology