You searched for Palliative Care - CLOSLER

January 30, 2019 | <1 min read

Dr. David Wu, A CLOSLER Look

By Gretchen Miller, Managing Editor

Palliative care is an approach to medicine that focuses on quality of life. My hope is that every clinician learns basic palliative skills to lead family conversations when there is a critically ill patient. It's a precious privilege to be able to enter people's lives at their most vulnerable time, and help them find some kind of peace.

July 6, 2021 | 2 min read

CARE: Connect, Assess, Respond, Evaluate

By Cheryl Barnes-Neff, PhD, MDiv, RN, President, Laurel Oak Group, Online Education & Training

To understand and better care for your patients, be curious about their life stories. Reflect on what you hear and consider the extent to which you are truly connecting.

July 7, 2021 | 1 min read

Lessons Learned During my Palliative Care Rotation

By Rayah Sawaya, MD, American University of Beirut

In the wake of disaster, I witnessed the value of palliative care firsthand. This service prioritizes patient comfort and end-of-life preferences.

November 15, 2018 | 3 min read

You’re Always a Provider, Even in the Coffee Line

By Ishwaria Subbiah, MD, MS, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center

Opportunities to ease distress extend beyond the bedside and outside of the clinic to every interaction with our patients and also their caregivers.

February 5, 2019 | 2 min read

Creating a Clear Care Map for Patients

By Chris Myers

Showing patients and their families a clear map of their care plan can help bring awareness and healing to patients and families alike.

August 4, 2020 | 2 min read

3 Tips for Talking With Patients About Advance Directives

By Ambereen Mehta, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

ALL clinicians can and should encourage patients to document their wishes regarding medical decisions in case they’re unable to make these decisions for themselves.

October 24, 2019 | 1 min read

The Art of Talking About Death

By Michelle Gyenes, MS, Columbia Mailman School of Public Health

The clinically excellent clinician engages in honest conversations about death and dying with patients and their families.

May 23, 2022 | 2 min read

Communication: A Chaplain’s-Eye View

By Peter Heikkinen, MDiv, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Hearing, acknowledging, and appreciating the patient’s perspective is central to effective communication.

"I asked his family what he'd want us to know about him and his daughter said he loves Irish music."

February 15, 2021 | 2 min read

End-of-Life Care During The Pandemic

By Ambereen Mehta, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Hospital visitation is limited during the pandemic. To alleviate the stress of this restriction, connect patients with their families via video as often as possible.

October 14, 2021 | 1 min read

Caring During Death

By Vivian Altiery De Jesus, MD, MBE, Johns Hopkins Medicine

It’s a privilege to care for patients and their loved ones, especially at the end of life. Even when we can’t cure, we can always comfort.

October 10, 2019 | 2 min read

Our Greatest Teachers

By Vivek Murthy, MD, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

To find meaning in your clinical work, search for the words and moments that affirm your shared humanity with patients.

November 10, 2021 | 5 min read

Reading Between The Lines

We don’t always say what we’re thinking, particularly in difficult conversations. Sharing and exploring unspoken thoughts can lead to stronger connections with our patients and better care.

April 20, 2021 | 3 min read

Listening to Every Patient

By Pringl Miller, MD, San Francisco, California

To give clinically excellent care to the patient in front of you, ask yourself: “Am I carefully listening to what the patient is telling me? Am I incorporating what I’ve heard into the care plan?”

Hippocrates featured in the interior of the old town hall in Gõttingen, Niedersachsen, Germany. Public domain, Wikimedia Commons.

February 20, 2020 | 3 min read

“Life is short, and art long”

By Jonathan Yeh, MD, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

The art of honest and empathetic communication is fundamental to being an excellent clinician. And, it can be improved with intentional practice.

June 2, 2022 | 2 min read

‘68 Chevy Camaro

By Jennifer Eitingon, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

If we limit the way we view our patients, we will miss out on what makes them who they are. By taking time to learn more about them as people, we can connect and offer better care.

March 2, 2022 | 1 min read

Redefining Success

By Jennifer Eitingon, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

My patient on palliative radiation died in the hospital, instead of at home as she wanted. I was reminded that we must always create a treatment plan based on the patient’s goals instead of our own.

October 10, 2022 | 3 min read

“What Else?”

By Matthew McEvoy, MD, Houston, Texas

Asking these simple two words and showing genuine concern can bring out a richer story and promote healing.

Vibraphone. Copyright Chris Dingman.

December 5, 2019 | 2 min read

Peace—Music to Live

By Chris Dingman, Vibraphonist and Composer

Music with intention and sensitivity can be a powerful tool for helping the terminally ill—and others—cope with physical and emotional pain in order to find peace. Recommending this form of therapy to patients can be a valuable gift.

March 25, 2019 | 2 min read

Movie Review of “End Game”

By Barry Bryant, Medical Student, Johns Hopkins Medicine

The documentary "End Game" includes honest and reflective conversations with patients about what dying might be like, and investigation into what patients want the end of their life to look like.

December 13, 2021 | 1 min read

Grace

By Farah Ali, DO, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Faith plays a significant role in many patients’ lives. Learning more about their beliefs can help us to understand them better and allows us to serve our patients in line with their values.

November 18, 2021 | 3 min read

Adequate Bandwith

By Jennifer Eitingon, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Recently, a patient dying of cancer requested CPR despite many clinicians advising against it. When it feels challenging to understand a patient’s decision, I remind myself to consider the situation from a different perspective.

August 2, 2021 | 1 min read

How to Support Patients Facing an Upsetting Diagnosis

By Steve Kravet, MD, MBA, FACP, Johns Hopkins Community Physicians

In medicine, we often inform patients of new diagnoses that are life-altering—sometimes overwhelmingly so. At these times, we must show empathy and check-in frequently with them.

August 30, 2022 | 2 min read

Hope in The Hospital: a Lesson From “The Sandman”

By Joshua Briscoe, MD, Durham VA Health Care System

Accepting the hopes and dreams of our patients is a way to show compassionate presence.

February 17, 2020 | 1 min read

Insights From “Dying in the Neurological ICU”

By Ambereen Mehta, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Excellent clinicians are aware of the level of uncertainty in which we practice and empathize with the challenge that patients and families face in the face of that uncertainty.

December 9, 2021 | 4 min read

3 Lessons From Coach Ted Lasso

By Claire Crawford, MSW, PhD, Texas Childrens , Jared Rubenstein, MD, Baylor College of Medicine, pediatric

Apple TV’s “Ted Lasso” shares a simple message—be kind. We can never truly know what it’s like to walk in another person’s shoes. Curiosity, instead of judgment, helps us give better patient care.

January 7, 2021 | 4 min read

3 Steps to Develop Your Philosophy of Caring

By Aidan Crowley, Medical Student, University of Pennsylvania

Identifying the principles that guide your care of patients will bring more meaning and purpose to your work. This can bring both you and your patients joy and fulfillment.

February 24, 2022 | 3 min read

New Dad And Healthcare Professional

By Ben Roberts, NP, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Placing my child’s and my patients’ needs before my own gives me purpose. These responsibilities help mitigate burnout and allow me to give excellent care.

Encourage caregivers to get support.

September 8, 2021 | 2 min read

How to Mitigate Caregiver Burnout

By Simone Lescott, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Caring for a loved one can be emotionally exhausting. Remind caregivers to prioritize self-care and encourage them to seek support from others.

October 21, 2020 | 3 min read

Show Me

By Jared Rubenstein, MD, Baylor College of Medicine

Asking patients to share photos and videos can give clinicians a deeper understanding of their lives. This may allow us to give better person-centered care.

"Spending time outdoors helps me cope with the stress and sadness of the job." -Dr. Jared Rubenstein

December 10, 2020 | 3 min read

Coping With Patients’ Heartbreak

By Jared Rubenstein, MD, Baylor College of Medicine

When supporting patients and their loved ones during times of great sadness and loss, cultivating a daily habit of self-care may protect against burnout.

October 19, 2021 | 2 min read

Asking About Your Patient’s Pet

By Elizabeth Steuber, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Todd Brenner, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Ask patients about their pets. This can build a bridge to talking about topics like functional status, home life, and family dynamics.

October 20, 2021 | 3 min read

Rethinking the Routine in the Pursuit of Inclusion

Interprofessional team members bring a rich variety of perspectives about patients that can lead to better whole person care. Using first names among our team helps minimize power differentials.

September 6, 2022 | 3 min read

Photographs at The Bedside

By Charlotte Grinberg, MD, Tufts Medicine Care at Home

Asking to see videos and memorabilia from a patient’s past may help us connect with each person in a more personal and complete way.

October 11, 2021 | 2 min read

Helping Patients Share Disappointing Diagnoses With Loved Ones

By Ambereen Mehta, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Michelle McWhirter, LCSW-C, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Patients often want to share significant health news with loved ones. You can help them choose when and how to disclose this information.

July 5, 2022 | 2 min read

Dementia, Decisions, And Developing a Different Love

By Drea Burbank, MD, Orinda, California

We must be respectful and balanced when presenting medical options to a patient’s caregivers.

November 16, 2020 | 5 min read

Breaking Bad on Video

By Mark Taubert, MD, Cardiff University, Wales

Traditionally, grave medical news is shared in person; we're now having to do so virtually. During such conversations, try to infuse as much warmth and compassion as possible.

Hobbit holes, Hobbiton, Matamata, New Zealand. Photo by Jackie Ick, flickr.com, public domain, wikimedia.org.

February 21, 2020 | 2 min read

Hobbits of Healthcare

By David Shih Wu, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

The excellent clinician demonstrates hobbit-like bravery by leaning into hard conversations.

November 11, 2021 | 3 min read

Dying Alone

By Eric Last, DO, Northwell Health, Wantagh, New York

Caring for a patient dying of AIDS reminded me that—while it's necessary to be fully present and listen attentively to all patients—those who are alone need even more of our time.

August 15, 2022 | 2 min read

Role Modeling Vulnerability

By Daniel Saddawi-Konefka, MD, MBA, Massachusetts General Hospital

When a patient dies, sharing your emotions with trainees normalizes this response and highlights our shared humanity.

February 11, 2020 | 2 min read

Moving Mountains

By Susan Huff, RN, MSN, Johns Hopkins Homecare Group

In end of life care, excellent clinicians can and should move mountains to get patients home if that's where they want and need to be.

November 6, 2019 | 3 min read

Songs From Hospice

By J Lind, Dale Fellow and touring songwriter, Nashville, Tennesse

It's the details of the patient's story that transforms them into a person.

July 8, 2021 | 1 min read

Reaching Out to Your Patient’s Family When Death is Imminent

By Jeffrey Millstein, MD, Penn Medicine

When my friend died of pancreatic cancer recently, I saw how valuable it was for her family to hear from the treating physician. Going forward, I will emulate this inspiring practice.

"If I die, tell my mother I love her. If I get better, I'm going to visit her in Tennessee. She has ten acres and a farmhouse."

May 11, 2021 | 1 min read

Empathy at The End of Life

By Avani Prabhakar, MBBS, MPH, Johns Hopkins Medicine

At the end of life, clinicians who are present and listen compassionately may be entrusted with patients’ final wishes. Attempting to honor these requests is one way to serve.

November 25, 2020 | 2 min read

Naming Chickens

By Claire Crawford, MSW, PhD, Texas Childrens

Incorporate laughter and joy where you can, giving yourself, your patients, and their families, moments of respite.

September 16, 2020 | 1 min read

Music For Stress Reduction

By Chris Dingman, Vibraphonist and Composer

Spend time each day doing something you enjoy, like listening to music. Just a few minutes can help you remain balanced, avoid burnout, and give better care to patients.

April 6, 2022 | 3 min read

The Last Inning

By Mark Duncan, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Sometimes, patients have the opportunity to write a beautiful concluding chapter to their lives. We can encourage them in this endeavor.

February 10, 2022 | 1 min read

How to Express Empathy With Humility

By Rebekah Fenton, MD, Northwestern University

To show we care, we can simply say something like, “I can’t imagine how hard this must be.”

December 15, 2021 | 1 min read

The Power of Humor

By Jennifer Eitingon, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

My dying patient taught me that laughter can sometimes normalize difficult situations. Finding humor in the problem lightened the mood and allowed us to devise a care plan that preserved her dignity.

November 15, 2022 | 1 min read

Will I lose my hair?

By Lauren Rissman, MD, Advocate Childrens Hospital

Talking with my young patient about his cancer, he shared being most afraid of going bald. I learned that it’s important to acknowledge and validate all worries, including those that are not life-threatening.

November 2, 2022 | 2 min read

The Last Choice

By Ivy Akid, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Caring for a man dying of cancer reminded me to always guide patients toward decisions that best align with their goals of care.