Month: February 2011

Discontinuing Treatment in Patients with End Stage Illness: The Art and Science of Reconfiguring Therapy

A very engaging conversational topic was presented. Some key items to be considered at this point in a patient’s illness: Ambulatory, Palliative, Hospice or Comfort Care The Goals of Care as described by the patient/family Clinical Expertise Best Practice Evidence Barriers may include: Patient Related: psychological attachment to medications they have been taking as well … Read moreDiscontinuing Treatment in Patients with End Stage Illness: The Art and Science of Reconfiguring Therapy

PalliMed reception

The PalliMed/ GeriPal co-sponsored reception last night was a success. As repeatedly and succinctly put by social networking guru Christian Sinclair, the purpose of this event was to meet those with whom we’ve been communicating for the past 12 months, whether by Twitter, List-serve, blog or Facebook. Plus it’s fun! Present were PalliMed contributors and … Read morePalliMed reception

Feeling Our Fire

Earthy, dynamic, funny, rich in the wisdom of connection, reflection, and rejuvination…This describes this morning’s plenary by Dr. Sherry Showalter. Her words and movements celebrated this work we do. She reminded us that that which is to provide light, must endure burning, and that we who strive to heal, must, each day, heal ourselves. Her … Read moreFeeling Our Fire

After the Bad News… When Patients Hear Something Different than What Was Said

How many times have you begun a conversation with a patient or family, only to discover their understanding of the situation is far different from what the referring physician has shared with you? All too often, it seems, judging from the large attendance at this informative, lively session that led attendees through the labyrinth of … Read moreAfter the Bad News… When Patients Hear Something Different than What Was Said

Compassion in Canada

Sometimes when you think outside the box with the right intentions, things happen for the good. The session “Showcase Canada: Introducing Canadian Initiatives in Hospice Palliative End-of Life Care was a great overview of such a vision. The presentation was dispersed with great facts about Canadians and great pictures of many areas I want to … Read moreCompassion in Canada

NEUROTOXICANTS: Unmasking Uncommon Syndromes (333)

This lecture was very informative and was well attended. To summarize the meeting and the clinical pearls: Definition: Pharmaceutical neurotoxicant drug or drug-like entities due to its own properties or in combination with other drug or drug-like entities illicit an untoward response to its host’s nervous system Many drugs used in hospice/palliative care have potential … Read moreNEUROTOXICANTS: Unmasking Uncommon Syndromes (333)

A Whirlwind Tour of Pharmacology for Symptom Mangement in Pediatric Patients

Today at the AAHPM Assembly, I had the opportunity to attend a much-needed session on pharmacology for symptom management in pediatric patients. Sponsored by the Pediatric Special Interest Group, this “whirlwind tour” covered pharmacologic approaches to depression, anxiety, delirium and insomnia in children. The three presenters from San Diego Hospice – a palliative care physician, … Read moreA Whirlwind Tour of Pharmacology for Symptom Mangement in Pediatric Patients

Serotonin Antagonist: Should They Be Used in Palliative Medicine? (327)

Nausea and vomiting is a drag! Hope no one is feeling queasy since this talk is all about N/V. Dr. Eric Prommer is very knowledgeable about serotonin and the serotonin antagonist like ondansetron . Interestingly, serotonin, which is constantly being produced, can overcome the antagonist and this is why these medications may lose effectiveness. At … Read moreSerotonin Antagonist: Should They Be Used in Palliative Medicine? (327)

Dancing with Broken Bones: Race, Class and Spirit-Filled Dying in the Inner City (303)

David Moller has a vocation and avocation to use his training in sociology to give a voice and face to the poor, inner-city and disinfrancished living in America. There is a great divide between the large and growing underclass and the professionals that work in the medical industrial complex. David is a voice for those … Read moreDancing with Broken Bones: Race, Class and Spirit-Filled Dying in the Inner City (303)

Rage against the Dying of the Light: Geriatrics, Palliative Care, and Dementia

Case based discussion dementia is a chronic illness but not recognized as a terminal illness. There are really not any good secondary prevention measures. Most people with dementia have symptoms if we look for them. Treating depression may reverse some of the cognitive decline. Tertiary Prevention: intensive case management can make a big difference in … Read moreRage against the Dying of the Light: Geriatrics, Palliative Care, and Dementia