title: Commentary on Masel et al. Predicting discharge of palliative care inpatients by measuring their heart rate variability.
abstract: The accurate determination of prognosis is a challenging and important aspect of end of life care. A more accurate prognosis provides patients and their families' time to plan and prepare for the end of life, and prioritize care based on individual goals and values. While a number of prognostic tools and indices provide insight into a patient's general prognosis, the use of heart rate variability (HRV) as a predictor of live discharge from a palliative care unit (PCU) is a unique approach to exploring non-invasive ways for more accurate prognostication.
authors: Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine, Medical Director of Palliative Care, UPMC-Mercy, UPMC Palliative and Supportive Institute, UPMC Section of Palliative Care and Medical Ethics. UPMC Mercy Hospital, 1400 Locust Street, St. Ann Center #306, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA. thurstonal@upmc.edu.
authors: Andrew
authors: A
authors: Thurston
authors: Leo H. Criep Chair of Patient Care, Professor of Medicine, Chief, Section of Palliative Care and Medical Ethics, Director, Institute for Doctor-Patient Communication, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Medical Director, UPMC Palliative and Supportive Institute. UPMC Montefiore, 933W, 200 Lothrop Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA. Email: rabob@pitt.edu.
authors: Robert
authors: R
authors: Arnold
keywords: End of life; heart rate variability (HRV); prognostic tools