Elaine Wittenberg?Lyles|Joy Goldsmith|Sandra L. Ragan
The Shift to Early Palliative Care
University of North Texas
current study clinical observations communication patients families clinicians chronic serious terminal illness cancer care trajectory examined patterns trends five communication characteristics concluded informed typology illness journeys experienced patients cancer families isolated journey characterizes illness path communication terminal prognosis endoflife care options present communication restricted curativeonly approach diagnosis well structure medical care rescued journey signifies transition curative care hospital narrative noncurative care hospice narrative challenging patients families awareness dying rescued journey allows communication prognosis care options establishes productive experiences open awareness affords patients families opportunities experience endoflife care preferences finally palliative care prior hospice provides patients families illness journey readily characterized open awareness community facilitates comforted journey nurses play pivotal role communicating disease progression plans care typology presented inform structured communication curriculum nurses assist implementation early palliative care