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March 1, 2013 Studies show that end-of-care is often futile. It doesn't always prolong lives, and it doesn't always reflect what patients want. But for families making decisions about loved ones, balancing the evidence and emotions can be wrenching.

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February 5, 2013 KHNEven as deaths in acute-care hospitals declined in recent years, the use of intensive care units in the last month of life increased. There has been greater use of hospice care, but much of it was for three days or less at the very end of life, a study finds.

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October 30, 2012 KHNMore intense care can translate into worse, and more expensive, care at the end of life. So, the thinking goes, doctors who train at hospitals with better and more efficient care will be in better shape to become future leaders.

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October 25, 2012 A survey finds that the majority of advanced stage lung and colon cancer patients believe chemotherapy might cure them, when it can actually only buy them a few months. Oncologists are worried about how this impacts end-of-life decision making.

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March 8, 2012 KHNOregon created a simple two-page form that has helped people exert control over their care at the end of life. A statewide database that contains the information is providing insight into what people prefer.

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