Biomedical
The Uncertain Science of Predicting Death
Laura Van Metre Baum,
Debra Friedman
Peer Reviewed
Abstract
The study by Seow et al. explores the development of a patient-oriented prognostic tool to help patients with cancer understand their mortality and disease trajectory. It aims to improve end-of-life (EOL) care by empowering patients to make informed decisions aligned with their goals. The study highlights the importance of prognosis awareness, functional decline, and symptom monitoring in improving care outcomes. However, it also points out that mortality prediction in cancer remains uncertain due to evolving treatments, making prognosis challenging. Further research is needed for effective implementation of such tools.
Key Questions and Answers
1. How does a patient-oriented prognostic tool improve end-of-life (EOL) care?
By helping patients and families understand their mortality and disease trajectory, the tool empowers them to make informed decisions and advocate for care that aligns with their values and goals.
2. What role does prognosis awareness play in end-of-life care?
Prognosis awareness helps patients align their treatment expectations with their realistic outlook, supporting shared decision-making that prioritizes quality of life and values-driven care.
3. Why is predicting cancer mortality challenging?
Cancer mortality remains unpredictable, as treatments improve and disease trajectories become less certain, making traditional methods of predicting the end-of-life course difficult to apply.
4. What is the significance of functional decline and symptoms in prognosis?
Functional decline and symptoms, such as changes in appetite, are key indicators of mortality and help to connect patients’ day-to-day experiences to their overall prognosis.
