End of Life Care

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May 25, 2012 | 10:52 AM | By

No Death Panel Debate–Mass. Senate OKs “Palliative Care Awareness”

By Martha Bebinger, Kaiser Health News

(Ryan Wilcox: Flickr)

(Ryan Wilcox: Flickr)

It’s been almost three years since Sarah Palin claimed that end-of-life care options could turn into death panels.

But last week, with no discussion, legislators avoided a minefield that exploded repeatedly during the national health care debate. With a quick call of the ayes and nays, the Massachusetts Senate approved Amendment no. 121, “Palliative Care Awareness.” It requires that physicians and nurses in Massachusetts must talk to terminally ill patients about their end of life options, their risks and benefits and how best to manage their symptoms and pain.

Senate Republican leaders confirm that they have no objections … and it’s also supported by one of the state’s leading right-to-life groups.

In 2006, Massachusetts passed statewide health insurance reform which requires nearly every resident to carry health insurance. It’s considered a model to the feds’ Affordable Care Act.

Since then, Massachusetts has been implementing its plan. Counseling advocates say they won’t let Palin’s interpretation of end-of-life care derail their mission.

“The national controversy about death panels — what AARP called lies about death panels — is completely misguided,” said Dr. Lachlan Forrow, who directs ethics and palliative care programs at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. “In Massachusetts we can unite and show how to do it right.” Continue reading →

FILED UNDER: Policy, End of Life Care, Massachusetts Health Care Reform
February 14, 2012 | 3:35 PM | By

Disparity Between Preferences and Actions in End-of-Life Care

(Rosie O'Beirne: Flickr)

(Rosie O'Beirne: Flickr)

It’s a paradox of American health care that has been present for years, and a new study reinforces it: the overwhelming majority of Californians say they want to die a natural death, at home, but less than one in four has actually put their wishes in writing. This lack of clarity can leave loved ones and doctors to try to sort out wishes, often during a time of crisis.

The statewide survey is from the Oakland-based California HealthCare Foundation. While so few have put their wishes in writing, the poll also found that 82 percent of Californians said it was important to do so. Another paradox.

“When we juxtapose that to what actually happens to people,” said Kate O’Malley, senior program officer at the Foundation, “We realize there is a lot of work to be done in helping people find a way to state their preferences and make sure that their family members and their providers know what their preferences are.” Continue reading →

FILED UNDER: Policy, You're the Boss, End of Life Care
November 1, 2011 | 10:13 PM | By

Steve Jobs “Think Different” Philosophy Included Approach to Cancer Treatment

Steve Jobs announces the availability of iTunes for PC computers in October, 2003. He was diagnosed with cancer the same month. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

Steve Jobs announces the availability of iTunes for PC computers in October, 2003. He was diagnosed with cancer the same month. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

This post originally appeared on KQED’s NewsFix on October 7, 2011

Since Steve Jobs’ resignation as Apple CEO in August, many of the basic facts of his disease have been widely written about. Jobs had a rare form of pancreatic cancer, Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors. The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post both feature solid pieces with additional detail about this disease.

The American Cancer Society’s five-year survival rates for the more frequently diagnosed type of Pancreatic Cancer are bleak.  But for those afflicted with the rare type of this cancer Jobs had, survival rates are much higher.

For a moving obituary, the American Cancer Society’s Dr. Len Lichtenfeld had a surprising approach. He writes about Steve Jobs as a survivor.

 …his greatness is amplified by what he accomplished under the most difficult of circumstances. For here was a man who had an uncommon cancer that recurred and required a liver transplant. Here was a man who was failing in his health, yet had the fortitude to face every day as a new challenge, to do what he wanted to do, to accomplish successes that had never been accomplished before. Here was a man who embodied the drive and the spirit that so many cancer survivors possess every day of their lives, even when facing the ultimate moment as Steve Jobs faced today.

Continue reading →

FILED UNDER: You're the Boss, cancer treatment, End of Life Care, steve jobs