Coming to Grips with End-of-Life Care - Balancing Quality and Cost

Explore the complex issues surrounding end-of-life care in this thought-provoking TEDMED talk. Delve into the challenges posed by modern medicine's ability to extend life expectancies for terminally ill patients, including increased intensive care and associated costs. Examine the staggering $55 billion spent by Medicare in 2010 on doctor and hospital bills during patients' final two months. Investigate the delicate balance required between doctors, families, and patients in providing quality end-of-life care. Consider the physical and emotional toll of making crucial end-of-life decisions on patients and their loved ones. Reflect on strategies to help individuals manage end-of-life care choices that maximize personal well-being while minimizing social costs in this hour-long discussion on a pressing healthcare challenge.