Providing end-of-life palliative care for the developmentally disabled and their families

The life span of developmentally disabled individuals has been greatly extended as a result of continued advances in medical technology and life-prolonging treatments. Consequently, this special population now faces many of the same chronic or terminal illnesses as the general population. Hospitals and healthcare providers are experiencing an upsurge of patients with developmental disabilities facing end-of-life care issues in acute care settings. Therefore, it is imperative for acute care providers to become proficient in the delivery of palliative care to this unique population and their families. Copyright © Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.

Duke Scholars

Author Cristina Cu Hendrix School of Nursing