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Review
. 2006 Nov;24(4):969-87.
doi: 10.1016/j.emc.2006.06.007.

Death, dying, and last wishes

Catherine A Marco  1 , Raquel M Schears
Affiliations
Review

Death, dying, and last wishes

Catherine A Marco et al. Emerg Med Clin North Am. 2006 Nov.

Abstract

Issues regarding patient care near the end of life can be challenging and rewarding for emergency physicians. Knowledge of the patient's wishes is essential, and may be accomplished by advance directives or communication with patients and surrogates. Resuscitative efforts are appropriate for many patients, but inappropriate for others. The goals of medicine remain the following: providing optimal health care, provision of the best possible symptom control, communication, empathy, and caring. As death approaches, provision of the best possible medical care, in accordance with the patient's wishes, can be rewarding for patients, families, and health care providers.

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