Assuming preexisting knowledge: Hospital Example 3
Mr. Jack Garland is an 80 year old male admitted
for failure to thrive and hip fracture. He is not a surgical candidate
and so Orthopedics has signed off. You are a hospitalist and he
is on your service. You have stabilized him and want to discharge
him as there is nothing further you can do. Sharon Richardson is
his only daughter. She is with her father when you stop to see
him during morning rounds.
Sharon: “My dad does not look too good. How is he doing?”
You: “To be frank, he is not doing very well, I am afraid.”
Sharon: “So what do we do next?”
You:“I have referred him to
Palliative Care Service.”
Sharon: “Paalitive…..? Pallyt..? What is that?”
You: “Palliative care. They
are experts in pain and symptom management. They will help with
your father’s pain.”
What was not addressed: “Your father is dying.”
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