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News Advisory
Proceedings of NIH Conference on Improving End-of-Life-Care
Published
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| What: |
The proceedings of a National Institutes of Health “State-of-the-Science
on Improving End-of-Life Care” have been published in a special supplement
(Volume 8, Supplement 1, 2005) of the Journal of Palliative Medicine.
The journal is a peer-reviewed publication of Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., and
the official journal of the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative
Medicine. The NIH Office of Medical Applications of Research (OMAR) and
the National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR) were the primary sponsors
of the conference. The NIH State-of-the-Science Conference on Improving
End of Life Care, held December 6-8, 2004, brought together prominent clinicians
and researchers with expertise in a broad range of topics related to end-of-life
care. |
| Why: |
In an introduction to the proceedings Patricia A. Grady,
Ph.D., RN, Director of the National Institute of Nursing Research, points
to “a growing public concern about the quality of care in the US health
care system for persons at the end of life.” The conference identified “gaps
in our understanding,” Dr. Grady writes. The dramatic increase in the number
of older adults facing the need for end-of-life care warrants development
of a research infrastructure and resources to enhance that care for patients
and their families. These experts synthesized research on key issues: defining
end of life, understanding major considerations related to end of life
care, and developing interventions that positively impact symptom management,
social interactions, spirituality, and caregiver support. An independent
panel evaluated the expert testimony and identified critical directions
for future research. NINR is the designated lead institute in studying
end of life. |
| When: |
The proceedings of the Conference are now available in the Journal
of Palliative Medicine, a bimonthly print and online publication
that reports on the clinical, educational, legal, and ethical aspects
of care for seriously ill and dying patients. |
| Where: |
The supplement is available free online at www.liebertpub.com/jpm.
Additional information regarding the Conference and the Proceedings can
be obtained from Lanny Newman, Public Affairs Officer, NINR, 301-496-0209, newmanl@mail.nih.gov. |
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The National Institutes of Health (NIH) — The Nation's Medical Research Agency — includes
27 Institutes and Centers and is a component of the U. S. Department of Health and
Human Services. It is the primary Federal agency for conducting and supporting basic,
clinical, and translational medical research, and it investigates the causes, treatments,
and cures for both common and rare diseases. For more information about NIH and its
programs, visit http://www.nih.gov.
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