American Geriatrics Society (AGS) Position Statement: THE CARE OF DYING PATIENTS

Dying is the final portion of the life cycle for all of us. Providing excellent, humane care to patients near the end of life, when curative means are either no longer possible or, no longer desired by the patient, is an essential part of medicine. The American Geriatrics Society (AGS) recognizes that most people near the end of life want to live as fully as they can. They want their health care providers to honor their wishes and goals and to help them maintain their dignity and independence while relieving symptoms and maximizing comfort. For physicians and health care providers to provide excellent care to dying patients and their families, they need expertise as well as compassion. Physicians who care for dying patients often find this work fulfilling, a source of pride, and even a priviledge. Making excellent care for dying patients regularly available will require improvements in systems for service delivery and in professional education.