Wednesday 28 January 2015

Preferences of patients with Parkinson's disease for communication about advanced care planning

American Journal of Hospice & Palliative Medicine, February 2015, vol./is. 32/1(68-77)
Tuck KK, Brod L, Nutt J, Fromme EK

Despite shortening life, Parkinson's disease (PD) is often not considered "terminal" and uncertainty exists about when to discuss end-of-life planning. A survey was sent to patients with PD assessing attitudes toward the timing and initiation of discussions regarding their disease.  It was found that preferences regarding end-of-life discussions vary.  The authors suggest that patients should be asked about their preferences for this information and offer discussion periodically.