I saw a similar comment made about the very expensive new Alzheimer’s drugs, that have small and uncertain benefit but substantial risks. If even half the price of the drug was instead provided to the patient’s family for respite care or other supportive services, that would likely have a far greater benefit on the average patient’s quality of life than the medication in question. But there’s no political or medical appetite to spend the money that way.
Bill, what you've written is extremely important--and you've experienced suffering and pain personally as well as a friend. Patient comfort (physical, mental, spiritual and emotional) should be integrated into courses for medical and nursing students. Our society uses terms like medical CARE, health CARE system, CAREgivers, end of life CARE... Do medical teams truly provide the care that those individuals need, especially at the end of life? How can we learn from medical professionals in countries where they offer comfort care because they do not have resources for radical interventions?
I thank the Lord that you cared for your friend and I'm sorry for your loss.
I saw a similar comment made about the very expensive new Alzheimer’s drugs, that have small and uncertain benefit but substantial risks. If even half the price of the drug was instead provided to the patient’s family for respite care or other supportive services, that would likely have a far greater benefit on the average patient’s quality of life than the medication in question. But there’s no political or medical appetite to spend the money that way.
“To cure sometimes, to relieve often, to comfort always.” - Edward Livingston Trudeau
Bill, what you've written is extremely important--and you've experienced suffering and pain personally as well as a friend. Patient comfort (physical, mental, spiritual and emotional) should be integrated into courses for medical and nursing students. Our society uses terms like medical CARE, health CARE system, CAREgivers, end of life CARE... Do medical teams truly provide the care that those individuals need, especially at the end of life? How can we learn from medical professionals in countries where they offer comfort care because they do not have resources for radical interventions?
I thank the Lord that you cared for your friend and I'm sorry for your loss.