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It might seem ironic that the one health outcome that will eventually happen to every one of us — dying — is very difficult to predict, even for patients with life-limiting illnesses. But information is often the key to good health-care decisions, and that includes decisions about end-of-life care. Even though it’s difficult to talk about, getting an accurate idea of how long an ill person will survive can enable the best planning for palliative care and ensure their individual preferences are met.
Today in The Conversation Canada, Lysanne Lessard, Amy Hsu and Peter Tanuseputro of the University of Ottawa and Sampath Bemgal of the University of New Brunswick write about using data and algorithms to predict life expectancy with the Risk Evaluation for Support: Predictions for Elder life in their Communities Tool (RESPECT). The tool asks 17 questions and bases predictions on the experiences of others in similar circumstances.
“The tool can help patients understand their own illness trajectory, have earlier conversations about their preferences and wishes, and advocate for the support they need,” they write.
Also today:
All the best,
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Even for an experienced health-care professional, estimating the life expectancy of a patient with a serious illness is challenging.
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Lysanne Lessard, L’Université d’Ottawa/University of Ottawa; Amy T. Hsu, L’Université d’Ottawa/University of Ottawa; Peter Tanuseputro, L’Université d’Ottawa/University of Ottawa; Sampath Bemgal, University of New Brunswick
An accurate prediction of survival can enable earlier conversations about preferences and wishes at the end of life, and earlier introduction of palliative care.
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