Approach to end of life care.

End of life care is often overlooked in busy day-to-day medical practice. Physicians need to recognize that death is inevitable for many medical conditions despite aggressive treatment. Optimal end of life care begins with an honest discussion of disease progression and prognosis. By coordinating the care with the family and a hospice program, terminally ill patients can achieve relief of pain and other unwanted symptoms, leading to a good quality of life during their remaining days.