End-of-life care

Modern advances in medical science and technology have helped physicians better treat patients with critical and once life-threatening conditions. In light of these advances, there are concerns that some of these technologies have resulted in merely prolonging the suffering of dying patients, and that the needs of people suffering during the terminal phase of their lives are not adequately addressed.

In response, the AMA supports initiatives that help physicians and their patients deal with the clinical and psychosocial issues at the end of life. The AMA's initiatives support physicians in their acquisitions of relevant knowledge and skills necessary when providing compassionate and competent end-of-life care.