[Journal article] End-stage Organ Disease – Healthcare Utilisation: Impact of Palliative Medicine
20 Oct 2021
Authors: Allyn Hum, Chun Wei Yap, Mervyn Yong Hwang Koh
Summary points:
- Patients with end stage organ disease (ESOD) have a symptom burden as significant as those suffering with end stage cancer. But they are less likely to receive palliative care support.
- There is differential access to palliative care support even within different disease groups in ESOD. Earlier involvement of palliative care resulted in greater reduction in healthcare utilization
- Palliative care is not only beneficial for the patient, but also for the justification of healthcare resource allocation in the promotion of care of ESOD patients within the community.