Study finds end-of-life counseling improves mood

[and-justice-for-all]

By CARLA K. JOHNSON, AP Medical Writer Carla K. Johnson, Ap Medical Writer – Tue Aug 18, 4:00 pm ET

CHICAGO – As a political uproar rages over end-of-life counseling, a new study finds offering such care to dying cancer patients improves their mood and quality of life.

The study of 322 patients in rural New Hampshire and Vermont also suggests the counseling didn't discourage people from going to the hospital. The research didn't look at costs.

The study's publication in Wednesday's Journal of the American Medical Association coincides with the fight over health care overhaul proposals in Congress.

Some conservatives have called end-of-life counseling included in one version of the bill "death panels" and a step toward euthanasia. A House proposal allows Medicare to pay doctors to chat with patients, if they desire it, about living wills, hospice and appointing a trusted person to make decisions when the patient is incapacitated.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090818/ap_on_he_me/us_med_end_of_life

[quantass]

1. Thank God the MSM wont cover this cuz with all due respect Death Panels are bad

no matter what spin you put on it. :shrug:

[and-justice-for-all]

2. What death panels? nt