Prognosis Communication in Serious Illness: Perceptions of Older Patients, Caregivers, and Clinicians

Abstract

Although clinicians report that they are discussing prognosis, patients and caregivers frequently do not corroborate these reports. Furthermore, many patients do not want prognostic information. Despite previous reports concluding that patients want full disclosure about their illness, many seriously ill older persons and caregivers may not be ready or able to receive prognostic information.