Goals of Care
Structured discussions about treatment objectives and care preferences, particularly important in elderly cardiac patients with limited life expectancy.
Full Definition
Goals of care refers to systematic conversations between healthcare providers, patients, and families to establish treatment objectives, values, and preferences that guide medical decision-making. In geriatric cardiology, goals of care discussions are essential given the complexity of cardiac conditions in elderly patients, potential quality of life impacts of treatments, and limited life expectancy considerations. These conversations help determine whether care should focus on cure, function preservation, comfort, or a combination of approaches, informing decisions about aggressive interventions versus conservative management.
Usage
Usage note: Always plural 'goals'; document specific outcomes of these discussions clearly.
In Context
- "Goals of care discussions led to a decision for comfort-focused management rather than aggressive intervention." — Palliative care consultation note
- "The family requested time to consider goals of care before proceeding with invasive cardiac procedures." — Ethics consultation documentation