The Great Divide: The Schism Between Palliative Medicine and Palliative Care

by Rebecca Gagne Henderson PhD APRN ACHPN The Original Schism In 1054 AD a Roman Catholic Cardinal was sent to the Metropolitan of the Eastern Orthodox Church and excommunicated the entire Eastern church. The Eastern Bishop declared anathema on the Roman Catholic church. Oh, the Irony amongst these fine men who carried the mantle of the original … Continue reading The Great Divide: The Schism Between Palliative Medicine and Palliative Care

The Death Rattle: A natural sign of impending death

by Rebecca Gagne-Henderson PhD APRN ACHPN What is the Death Rattle? In the early 2000’s I noted many hospice physicians began to refer to the death rattle as hypersecretions. The secretions may at some point become copious, but the term “hypersecretions” indicates a disorder which produces an excessive amount of secretions. In addition to hypersecretions, … Continue reading The Death Rattle: A natural sign of impending death