1. Barriers to End of Life Care What to do to make your patients end of life choices easier.

2. The topic of end of life care. Most doctors want patients to start the discussion on end of life care. Patients feeling their prognosis is good want doctors to start the discussion on end of life care.

3. So what happens? Dying patients are not given the emotional and spiritual support they need and deserve. Families are not given the emotional and spiritual support they need and deserve

4. Common barriers Time- End of life is never a short conversation. Words- What do you say to start the topic? Resources- Once started do you have the resources to continue on with the conversation? IE social work and clergy.

5. Special Concerns The health profession heals people. They don’t let them die. Curative medicine versus palliative care.

6. Nursing is powerful We speak for the patient and help the patient advocate for their care Nurses tend to have a better relationships with their patients because we spend so much time with them.

7. What we can do to help Provide information about end of life choices. Remind physicians to speak to their patients about end of life issues. Make appropriate consults with social work and clergy about end of life issues.

8. Never be afraid to talk Empower your patients with information. Ask the questions your patients may have on their mind. Remind the physicians to talk to their patients about end of life care Consult with proper health professionals about end of life care

9. End of life care Help your patients to have the best end of life possible Get the support your patients and their families need and deserve

10. References Huggins M A Brooks L. (2007). Discussing End-of-Life Care With Older Patients: What Are You Waiting For?: Barriers to Advanced Care Planning. Retrieved March 9, 2010, from http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/564628_4http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/564628_4 Jennings, B., Ryndes, T., D'Onofrio, C., & Baily, M. (2003). Access to Hospice Care: Expanding Boundaries, Overcoming Barriers. Retrieved March 10, 2010, from http://www.questia.com/googleScholar.qst?docId=5002533065http://www.questia.com/googleScholar.qst?docId=5002533065