A Poor Prognosis: Guide or Misleading?

Patients admitted to a palliative care unit have a limited life expectancy. Sometimes, however, the accuracy of the prognosis is compromised by atypical progress of a disease or incorrect assumptions. If a predicted short life expectancy proves to be longer, the increased need of care may result in chronic admission and in a significantly reduced quality of life. A given poor prognosis may be mistakenly adhered to and might lead to insufficient diagnostic procedures or treatment. However, palliative care requires a patient-oriented and active approach. To be aware of possible incomplete diagnostics is an important step in preventing adverse consequences of a wrong prognosis.