Prognosis: if you knew….

Friends–

“For an 85 year old patient, with a life expectancy of six years, a frank discussion of prognosis might result in “a significant reordering of health priorities,” said Alexander K. Smith. “For example, maintaining mobility, putting financial affairs in order and preparing for long term care may take higher priority than screening for cancers or having really tight blood sugar control for diabetes.”

The quote comes from an opinion piece in the New England Journal of Medicine for December 8, 2011. The article can be found here: http://www.ucsf.edu/news/2011/12/11060/doctors-should-routinely-discuss-life-expectancy-elderly-patients-physicians

So what do you think? What would you do if you had your Doctor’s prognosis for you?

:- Doug.

About dgermann

Elder Caring Lawyer
This entry was posted in Aging, Caring, Conversation, Death and living while dying, Emergency/Crisis Medical, Healing and Wholeness, News. Bookmark the permalink.

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