Alfie Evans and Our Moral Crossroads

Physicians have many ways of influencing medical decisions made by the parents of children in their care.

Certain studies can be cited in support of what the physician desires, and studies pointing in a different direction can be ignored. Directive, emotive, and exaggerated language can be used to manipulate, especially when the likely outcomes of various options are under discussion. Numbers can be used in a similar way: Should a consult focus on the two-thirds of patients who have poor outcomes—or on the one-third who have good ones? (more…)

Palliative Care Advisory Council Report

In 2017, the legislature established a Palliative Care Advisory Council for the State of Minnesota. By law, the Council must assess the availability of palliative care in the state of Minnesota, analyze barriers to greater access to palliative care, and make recommendations for legislative action. By February 15 of each year, the Council is required to report on its progress. This report provides an introduction to palliative care, updates the status of the Council, provides preliminary reporting on the availability of palliative care in Minnesota, and outlines the Council’s next steps.  (more…)