May 20, 2013: Study Links Coffee to Lower Risk for Rare Liver Disease
Separate report calls for more hospice care for terminal cirrhosis patients

April 24, 2013: U.S. Heart Failure Costs Could Skyrocket: Report
Better awareness, prevention and treatment are crucial, experts say

April 10, 2013: Physician-Assisted Suicide Program Rarely Used, Study Finds
Terminally ill patients in Washington state not rushing to get lethal prescriptions or use them

April 01, 2013: Doctors Don't Ask About End-of-Life Plans, Study Finds
Many patients' charts don't reflect their final wishes, Canadian researchers say

March 27, 2013: Too Few Americans Pass Last Days in Hospice Care: CDC
Report highlights need for alternative care at end of life, expert says

February 05, 2013: Shift to Hospice Care Often Comes Too Late, Study Finds
Almost a third of patients didn't get palliative care until final three days of life, often after ICU stay

December 20, 2012: Palliative Care Eases Suffering for Seniors at End of Life: Study
Such patients in long-term care were less depressed, had fewer ER visits

November 13, 2012: Later End-of-Life Discussions May Mean More Aggressive Treatment
Study suggests earlier talks might contribute to care aimed at easing suffering

October 24, 2012: Many Terminal Cancer Patients Put False Hope in Chemo, Study Finds
Doctors must improve their message, researchers say

October 02, 2012: Use of Medicare Skilled Nursing Benefit Is High at End of Life: Study
Financial concerns may deter many from using hospice provision, researchers say

August 16, 2012: Older Americans Living Longer, But Becoming More Obese
Government report on seniors also found more working women, higher housing costs

June 29, 2012: Minorities Less Likely to Use Hospice Care: Study
Finding suggests there are differences that need to be addressed, researcher says

June 21, 2012: Rare Drug-Resistant Bacteria Spotted in U.S. Hospital
Swift treatment, stronger infection control prevented spread

June 14, 2012: Fatigue in COPD Patients Often Precedes Hospitalization: Study
Low energy is common in people with the respiratory condition

March 07, 2012: Hope and Optimism May Cloud Judgment in ICUs
Family members tend to put good spin on bad news, which may lead to poor decisions, researchers say

March 05, 2012: Heart Failure Patients Urged to Discuss Care With Docs
An open dialogue can inform decisions on treatment options

October 07, 2011: Blood Infection Costliest U.S. Hospital Condition: Report
Septicemia treatment totaled $15.4 billion in 2009, agency says

October 04, 2011: Advance Directives Might Curb Cost of End-of-Life Care
Study also found patients more likely to get hospice services

July 07, 2011: Special Talk Therapy Seems to Help Dying Patients
'Dignity therapy' can enhance their quality of life and their dignity, study finds

May 18, 2011: End-of-Life Care Differs Between U.S., Canada, Study Finds
Researchers say data comparison could help guide improvements in care

May 16, 2011: Hospice Care More Common in Wealthier Areas, Study Finds
Communities with high household incomes, larger populations have more access to end-of-life care

April 18, 2011: People With DNR Orders More Apt to Die After Any Surgery
Death and complication rate higher even in non-emergency procedures, study found

February 01, 2011: For-Profit Hospices May Prefer Certain Types of Patients: Study
They're more likely to admit people that require less intense care, but a longer stay

January 28, 2011: More People Choosing Hospice at Life's End
With focus on comfort, people often feel more in control, with less distress

January 28, 2011: Woman's Life Refutes a Hospice Myth
More than 6 years after starting care, 91-year-old remains at home

January 20, 2011: Fewer Cancer Patients May Be Depressed Than Thought
But it was common in cancer patients with other mood disorders, researchers found

January 19, 2011: Many U.S. Hospices Provide Alternative Therapies: Report
Over 40% offer complementary services, such as massage, to improve end-of-life care, data shows

January 06, 2011: Mentally Ill in Nursing Homes Often Lack Advance Care Plans
But they are among the groups that most need them, researchers say

November 02, 2010: Study Casts Doubt on Hospice Admission Criteria for Patients With Dementia
Desire for comfort care should guide the decision, say experts

October 12, 2010: Earlier Hospice Care Urged for Terminal Prostate Cancer
Waiting too late means less benefit for patients, families, experts suggest

September 29, 2010: Leaving Hospice Prematurely May Hike Health Expenses
ER visits, hospitalizations, home care increase the tally almost five-fold, study finds

September 13, 2010: Dying at Home Often Easier on Cancer Patients, Caregivers
Those left behind more likely to develop psychiatric problems if loved one dies in hospital, study finds

August 26, 2010: Doctors' Religious Beliefs Can Color Their Care of Terminally Ill
Survey found agnostics, atheists almost twice as likely to make choices that hasten end of life

August 18, 2010: Palliative Care May Boost Mood, Survival
Lung cancer patients had better quality of life, longer survival, study finds

May 14, 2010: As End of Life Nears, What to Do With Implanted Defibrillators?
New guidelines help patients, doctors decide on removal to avoid unnecessary shocks

April 02, 2010: Start Talking About Life's End Well in Advance
Though uncomfortable for some, conversations should be ongoing, too

March 16, 2010: Pain Relief Often Delayed for Cancer Patients
Referrals to palliative care programs come too late, survey finds

March 08, 2010: Blacks, Hispanics With Heart Failure Less Likely to Use Hospice
Despite increase in services, racial disparities persist, study finds

March 04, 2010: Hearts of Hospice Patients Being Needlessly Shocked
Researchers say defibrillators can be turned off on admission

January 12, 2010: Doctors Put Off End-of-Life Talks With Terminally Ill
Frank conversations about hospice and preferred place of death are often needed, experts say

December 31, 2009: Her Music Eases the End for Dying Patients
Therapist brings songs and comfort to hospice patients and their families

December 18, 2009: Spiritual Needs Rank High as Death From Cancer Nears
Being 'at peace with God' affects medical choices, study finds

October 14, 2009: Families Need to Know When Dementia Becomes Terminal
Too often, onerous, futile medical interventions are ordered for these end-stage patients, researchers say

March 09, 2009: Dying Feel Abandoned by Docs in the End
Continuity of care, closure important for dying, families and docs, study finds

December 22, 2008: Rules Change Could Increase Hospice Use
Those who currently want it must give up aggressive treatments, researchers say

December 19, 2008: Caregiving May Lengthen Life
Taking care of spouse decreases risk of death, study finds

October 07, 2008: Patients Benefit From End-of-Life Discussions With a Doctor
Less likely to feel distress, more likely to enjoy better quality of life, study finds

October 02, 2008: National Scorecard Ranks Palliative Care Across Country
Availability varies widely, and South comes out worst, researchers say

September 12, 2008: Palliative Care Programs Could Boost Hospitals' Bottom Line
Better treatment of sickest patients can save more than $300 a day, study says

August 29, 2008: End-of-Life Choices a Complicated Affair
Study shows family wishes, doctor preferences often enter into decisions