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

April 11, 2008: While Hospice Care Is Growing, Not All Have Access
Wealthier, better-educated communities have more facilities offering the end-of-life care, study finds