Understanding End-of-Life Care: Shifting from Cure to Comfort

Title: Understanding End-of-Life Care: Shifting from Cure to Comfort

Presenter: Richard Heck, M.D.

Date: August 27, 2025

Time: 10 a.m. PT/11 a.m. Mountain/12 p.m. Central/1 p.m. Eastern 

Length: 1 hour

Credit: 1 Complementary Medicine (CoM)  

Cost: $5 Student Members/$15 Members/$25 List Price

Description: This webinar offers a comprehensive overview of end-of-life care, exploring its principles, options, and the evolving philosophy that prioritizes quality of life over curative interventions. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how to recognize when patients enter this stage, the clinical and emotional considerations involved, and the multidisciplinary approaches that support both patients and families. The session will also address key aspects of care planning, communication, and ethical decision-making as care goals shift toward comfort, dignity, and support.

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify patients who may benefit from end-of-life care based on symptoms, diagnoses, prognostic timelines, and clinical expectations.
2. Understand the transition from curative treatment to comfort-focused care, and how this shift influences clinical decisions and care goals.
3. Implement appropriate interventions and care strategies to manage physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of patients nearing the end of life.