Question

A 59-year-old man with known ischaemic heart disease and heart failure presents to the palliative care clinic with progressive dyspnoea and fatigue. The multidisciplinary team agree that he is approaching the last year of life. According to NICE end of life care guidance, what is the most appropriate next step?

Accepted Answer

Initiate advance care planning discussions including patient preferences and coordinate care across settings

Answer

Focus solely on disease-modifying treatment and avoid discussing prognosis

Answer

Immediately withdraw all active treatment and start continuous syringe driver

Answer

Discharge to GP with no further specialist involvement

Answer

Call the coroner to certify end-of-life status

Practice question