MGMA Mindful Medicine: Dr. Andrea Sankar on Navigating the Complexities of End-of-Life Care

In the latest episode of the MGMA Mindful Medicine Podcast, host Daniel Williams welcomes Dr. Andrea Sankar, a medical anthropologist and co-author of the newly released third edition of Dying at Home: A Family Guide for Caregiving. Dr. Sankar discusses the evolution of end-of-life care, including the challenges faced by family caregivers and the crucial role medical practices can play in supporting patients and their loved ones during this sensitive time.

Key Takeaways:

• Dr. Sankar's journey into end-of-life care research was shaped by her experiences studying community-based care for the elderly in China and witnessing the challenges of caregiving during the AIDS epidemic.
• The third edition of Dying at Home reflects the significant changes in end-of-life care, including the increasing prevalence of frail patients living longer and the expanded availability of sophisticated home-based care due to advancements in medical technology and the TEFRA Act.
• Family caregivers often face significant emotional and physical burdens, and medical practitioners must better understand these strains to provide adequate support for caregivers.
• Medical practices can play a crucial role in supporting family caregivers by providing resources and guidance on community services and volunteer organizations, as well as facilitating communication and decision-making within the family.
• Comprehensive training and education for both caregivers and volunteers is essential, as many healthcare providers may not have firsthand experience with the realities of end-of-life care.
• The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for medical practices to be prepared for future crises that could disrupt end-of-life care, such as by planning for remote care delivery and addressing infection control measures.
• Dr. Sankar emphasizes the importance of caregivers doing their best and not being too hard on themselves, as providing end-of-life care is an immensely challenging yet meaningful experience.

Resources:
Dying at Home: A Family Guide for Caregiving

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