The Palliators

The story of how hospice is an important program of care, consequences of not using the services, and how my original plans for finding cures got derailed into becoming something equally as important.

Ageism is flourishing. We will discuss not only how ageism can adversely influence the way we manage care for our patients, but also how it impacts how the older age people see themselves. 

Burnout. Learn how it affects us, our patients and the healthcare system - and how to help ourselves and work toward change change

A discussion of typical things that may annoy your average hospice and palliative care provider and how to deal with those thing in a positive way.

Learn more communication tidbits to improve communication and understanding in the discussions you have with patients and their loved ones

Review of the treatment for malignant bowel obstruction with focus on medical management 

Common-sense approach to the management of nausea and vomiting.

A discussion of feeding tubes and recommendations from The American Geriatric Society and The Alzheimer Association. We review articles and findings to help with decision making.

So much of what we do tell our patients can be confusing, misunderstood, or even insulting. Learn expressions, phrases, and words to enhance your rapport with your patients and ease their anxiety. How we present information is significant. Learn ways that are sensitive and understandable.

Quality of Life has been key in the care of palliative care and hospice patients.  It should help to drive decision-making. Often the determination of quality is not decided by those who should.  This episode discusses QOL, refers to measuring instruments and articles.