Improving Quality and Honoring Individual Preferences Near the End of Life (IOM 2014)

Yesterday, the Institute of Medicine released its 500-page report, Improving Quality and Honoring Individual Preferences Near the End of Life.



A substantial body of evidence shows that broad improvements to end-of-life care are within reach. In Dying in America, a committee of experts finds that improving the quality and availability of medical and social services for patients and their families could not only enhance quality of life through the end of life, but may also contribute to a more sustainable care system. Dying in America is a study of the current state of health care for persons of all ages with a serious illness or medical condition who are likely approaching death. This report provides a detailed description of important aspects of the current U.S. health care system as they affect Americans nearing the end of life.



Dying in America evaluates strategies to integrate care into a person- and family-centered, team-based framework. According to this report, the current health care system of rendering more intensive services than are necessary and the lack of coordination among programs increases risks to patients and creates avoidable burdens on them and their families. This report makes recommendations to create a system that coordinates caregiving and supports and respects the choices of patients and their families.