Take the Quiz:
Is Palliative Care Right for Your Patient?
Answer these questions to determine if palliative care might be beneficial for your patient. It’s available at any stage of a serious illness, can be combined with curative treatments, and can be provided wherever the patient calls home.
Is Palliative Care Right for Your Patient?
Answer these questions to determine if palliative care might be beneficial for your patient. It’s available at any stage of a serious illness, can be combined with curative treatments, and can be provided wherever the patient calls home.
1. Does your patient have one or more serious illnesses such as:
- Cancer
- Congestive heart failure (CHF)
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, lung disease
- Kidney failure
- Liver failure
- Neurological diseases (e.g., ALS, Parkinson's)
- Dementia
Yes
No
2. Is your patient experiencing symptoms that interfere with their quality of life? These symptoms might include:
- Pain or discomfort
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Lack of appetite
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Fluid build-up
Yes
No
3. Is your patient becoming a hospital “frequent flyer”?
- Frequent trips to the emergency room
- Three or more admissions in the past year with the same symptoms
Yes
No
4. Is your patient making frequent calls to your office because they need help with:
- Controlling symptoms and side effects
- Coping with the stress of a serious illness
- Knowing what programs and resources are available
Yes
No
5. Would you be surprised if your patient passed away within the next 12-24 months?
Yes
No
Please select an answer
Previous Question
Next Question