Outline:
Section 1: Introduction A. Learning Objectives Section 2: The Importance of Prognostication A. Prognostication - A Process B. Challenges in Prognostication C. Consequences of Difficulty with Prognostication D. End-of-Life Trajectories E. Cancer F. Organ Failure G. Frailty/Dementia H. Sudden Death I. Knowledge Check Section 3: Prognostication Tools A. Local Coverage Determinations B. Performance Status Scales C. Disease Specific Tools - Cancer D. Disease Specific Tools - COPD E. Disease Specific Tools - Heart Failure F. Disease Specific Tools - Liver Disease G. Disease Specific Tools - Renal Disease H. Disease Specific Tools - Alzheimer's Dementia I. Knowledge Check Section 4: General Prognostic Indicators of Decline A. Disease Specific Prognosis- Cancer B. Disease Specific Prognosis- End Stage COPD C. Disease Specific Prognosis- Heart Failure D. Disease Specific Prognosis- Liver Disease E. Disease Specific Prognosis- End Stage Renal Disease Receiving Dialysis F. Knowledge Check G. Disease Specific Prognosis- Dementia H. Disease Specific Prognosis- HIV/AIDS I. Disease Specific Prognosis- Stroke J. Disease Specific Prognosis- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis K. Prognosis for In-Hospital Cardiac Arrest L. Documentation M. The Surprise Question N. Knowledge Check Section 5: Conclusion A. Summary B. References C. Congratulations!

Dr. Burkarth has been working as a full-time hospice and palliative medicine physician at Health and Palliative Services of the Treasure Coast since 2005. During this time, she has served in various positions, including Chief Medical Officer, Hospice Medical Director, and currently serves as the Senior Medical Director of Palliative Care. She attended medical school at Temple University School of Medicine and trained in Neurosurgery at Albany Medical Center. After private practice in neurosurgery, she made a mid-career decision to devote herself to hospice and palliative medicine. She obtained her Hospice Medical Director Certification in May of 2014. She serves as clinical faculty at Florida State University College of Medicine Fort Pierce Campus. Dr. Burkarth has spoken nationally, and provides local education, on hospice and palliative care. Disclosure: Bernice Burkarth, MD has declared that no conflict of interest, Relevant Financial Relationship or Relevant Non-Financial Relationship exists.