It is often the path of least resistance to follow medical care algorithms and escalate care as patient’s require it. However, it has been consistently shown that patients value goals of care discussions to better understand prognosis and possible next therapeutic steps. These discussions enhance patient care and help avoid unnecessary interventions.
For more information:
Detering KM, Hancock AD, Reade MC, Silvester W. The impact of advance care planning on end of life care in elderly patients: randomised controlled trial. BMJ. 2010 Mar 23;340:c1345. PMID: 20332506.
Shaw M, Shaw J, Simon J. Listening to Patients’ Own Goals: A Key to Goals of Care Decisions in Cardiac Care. Can J Cardiol. 2020 Jul;36(7):1135-1138. PMID: 32348846.