Critical care is rife with medical, ethical and legal dilemmas involving end-of-life care. The physician must be acutely aware of the ethical and jurisprudential considerations that should be balanced in navigating these sensitive situations.
Starting End-of-Life Discussions and Helping Patients Make Hard Decisions (Podcast)
Master clinician Edward Benzel, MD, shares guidance and personal reflections on one of the most intimate and challenging aspects of caregiving.
Dispelling Myths About Advance Directives and Preparing Patients in Times of Uncertainty
Having a discussion on advance directives with patients can feel uncomfortable, but doing so can make a world of difference in patients’ end of life happiness. A Cleveland Clinic geriatrician provides practical advice and resources in this Q&A.
We All Bleed Red: The Importance of Self-Compassion
In this Q&A, Rev. Greene discusses spiritual care at Cleveland Clinic, the importance of empathy and self-compassion.
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Nurses Champion Comforting Concepts for End-of-Life Care
ICU nurses set out to enhance care for end-of-life patients, and the initiatives help the nursing team too.
Why Trauma Surgery and Critical Care Physicians Need to Be Good Stewards of End-of-Life Care
End-of-life care is part of medicine; it is part of life. And it is our job to be good stewards. Dr. Sofya Asfaw explains.
End-of-Life Conversations: Advice from a Palliative Care Physician
Having meaningful conversations with patients about their end-of-life wishes ‘demonstrates respect’ says Laura Shoemaker, DO, of Cleveland Clinic’s Center for Connected Care. Learn more in this Q&A.
Designating Power of Attorney Can Be the First Step Toward Planning End-of-Life Care
Cleveland Clinic is asking its physicians to encourage their patients to think about end-of-life care by first thinking about who they would appoint to make decisions if they are incapacitated.
A Moment of Silence
A patient’s death is difficult for both families and caregivers. Cleveland Clinic initiated “The Pause,” a 15- to 30-second period of silence at the time of a patient’s death to honor the patient and caregivers and to reset.
End-of-Life Care: Helping Patients Make the Hard Decisions
Veteran spine surgeon Edward Benzel explains his approach to shared patient decision-making that earned him a glowing profile in Dr. Atul Gawande’s acclaimed bestseller on end-of-life care, Being Mortal.