Established in 1927 by the Amercian College of Physicians
May 18, 1999, Tip Sheet
Annals of Internal Medicine is published by the American College of Physicians-American Society of Internal Medicine (ACP-ASIM), an organization of more than 115,000 physicians trained in internal medicine. The following highlights are not intended to substitute for articles as sources of information. For a copy of an article, call 1-800-523-1546, ext. 2656 or 215-351-2656. Selected articles can be accessed on May 18, 1999, on the Internet at www.acponline.org
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Patients Prefer Making Advance Care Decisions with Family, Not Physicians A study of 400 dialysis patients found that patients had discussed end-of-life decisions more frequently with family members than physicians, would prefer to discuss them with family members in the future and favored legislation granting the family--rather than physicians-decision-making authority over end-of-life care. (Brief Communication, p. 825.)
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Comparisons of Two Anticoagulants to Treat Deep Vein Blood Clots
Two studies and an editorial examine trials using unfractionated heparin or the newer, easier to use and more expensive low-molecular-weight heparin to treat deep vein thrombosis. (Articles, p. 789, 800; Editorial, p. 857.)
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Two Articles Guide Physicians When Patients' Wishes May Be Unclear
--Special Curriculum Helps Doctors Communicate with Patients of Other Cultures
Physicians cannot know all aspects of the cultures or socioeconomic backgrounds of each patient. However, an innovative, new curriculum involving sensitivity to core cultural issues, interviewing techniques and negotiation, recently introduced in one medical teaching program, may help to bridge cultures. (Academia and Clinic, p. 829.)
--New Paper Guides Physicians Treating Patients Without Decision-Making Capacity
Dialogue, listening and building consensus at each step in end-of-life decision making can help physicians and family make treatment decisions that respect the patient's dignity and quality of life, even when the patient cannot make a decision for himself. (Academia and Clinic, p. 835.) This is the second paper in the series by the ACP-ASIM End-of-Life Consensus Panel, helping physicians and others caring for dying patients improve care at the end of life.
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