Incomplete End-of-Life Forms Vex Physicians

October 14, 2016

A study of elderly patients' end-of-life forms found that 69% had at least one section left blank, and 14% indicated the patient wanted comfort measures only, but also that they wanted be sent to the hospital, receive intravenous fluids, and/or receive antibiotics. These inconsistencies would likely result in patients receiving unwanted emergency care.