Palliative care: a promising philosophical framework for gastroenterology.
Since the 1970s, much has happened to establish palliative care asa health philosophy that will enrich the practice of gastroenterology;conversely, developments in gastroenterology have already improved palliative care. Several recent concepts from the field of gastroenterology such as "the second brain" and "intestinal failure" fit well within the conceptual framework of palliative care. This type of synergy will ultimately encourage the application of this philosophy to a much broader spectrum of patients than those deemed to be at "end of life." This broader spectrum of care can be described as palliative gastroenterology.
Dunn
Geoffrey P
GP
Department of Surgery and Palliative Care Consultation Service, Hamot Medical Center, 2050 South Shore Drive, Erie, PA 16505, USA. gpdunn1@earthlink.net
D005762:Gastroenterology; D006801:Humans; D010166:Palliative Care / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D010686:Philosophy, Medical