A poor prognosis: guide or misleading?
Patients admitted to a palliative care unit have a limited life expectancy. Sometimes, however, the accuracy of the prognosis is compromised by atypical progress of a disease or incorrect assumptions. If a predicted short life expectancy proves to be longer, the increased need of care may result in chronic admission and in a significantly reduced quality of life. A given poor prognosis may be mistakenly adhered to and might lead to insufficient diagnostic procedures or treatment. However, palliative care requires a patient-oriented and active approach. To be aware of possible incomplete diagnostics is an important step in preventing adverse consequences of a wrong prognosis.
Wijnia
Jan W
JW
Nursing Home and Geriatric Centre Antonius Binnenweg, Rotterdam, The Netherlands. j.wijnia@zorggroeprijnmond.nl
Corstiaensen
Inno J P M
IJ
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003951:Diagnostic Errors; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008017:Life Expectancy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009735:Nursing Homes; D010166:Palliative Care; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D011379:Prognosis; D011788:Quality of Life