hospice

[baronzb]

I definitely could use some help on getting hospice resources.

It's a pretty well-equipped, large bed count facility. I've never been in a hospice and I am worried about IV rates and mixtures, elderly-specific issues. There's also a large HIV component. It's also been a while since school lectures.

Can you think of any no nonsense resources to study for this situation? I already have Beers List, and HIV pocket reference. I'm at a loss for the other stuff, however--and any hospice overlapping study material would be great!

Help!

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[Dred Pirate]

i really wouldn't be to worried about the beer's list - not to sound harsh - but you can throw any of your "recommended maximum" rates out the window - we have a hospice unit in our hospital and some of the doses would amaze you - but remember you are there to make them comfortable, there is a gray line between making them comfortable and speeding up their death - and most of the time you are practicing in that area

 

[PumpkinSmasher]

HIV reference: https://depts.washington.edu/madclin/pharmacy/arv/index.html

 

[baronzb]

i really wouldn't be to worried about the beer's list - not to sound harsh - but you can throw any of your "recommended maximum" rates out the window - we have a hospice unit in our hospital and some of the doses would amaze you - but remember you are there to make them comfortable, there is a gray line between making them comfortable and speeding up their death - and most of the time you are practicing in that area

Could you clarify on that. That seems to be even more of a potential worry.

 

[Dred Pirate]

Could you clarify on that. That seems to be even more of a potential worry.

which aspect?

This may sound morbid (but considering I have witnessed dozens of people die, sometimes you have to be light hearted to make it through the day), but we would often joke when we got a high or questionable dose and say "What is the worst that is going to happen? They die? well - if you are in hospice you have already come to piece (generally) with the inevitable, they know they are there to die, and we are here to make it as comfortable and dignified as possible,

 

[baronzb]

which aspect?

This may sound morbid (but considering I have witnessed dozens of people die, sometimes you have to be light hearted to make it through the day), but we would often joke when we got a high or questionable dose and say "What is the worst that is going to happen? They die? well - if you are in hospice you have already come to piece (generally) with the inevitable, they know they are there to die, and we are here to make it as comfortable and dignified as possible,

fYes, I understand your point. My question related to knowing when to maximize care and when to balance quality of remainng life. How does this change the treatment regimen?

 

[Dred Pirate]

fYes, I understand your point. My question related to knowing when to maximize care and when to balance quality of remainng life. How does this change the treatment regimen?

I cannot offer advice other than you learn as you go - I only did minimal hospice work, so I am likely not the best person to offer you info. If there are any heme/onc specialists, often they deal with pain and end of life as much as anyone