#assisteddying Illness trajectories explain why a prognosis of 6 months is flawed. Most people need terminal care 2 to 5 years. They cannot be “reasonably expected to die within 6 months”. They are likely to be alive 18 months later. Evidence ignored bmj.com/content/388/...

A great cure of "prognostic paralysis" that doctors can get with patients with advanced diseases: embrace the inherent uncertainty and do some parallel planning

The Royal College of General Practitioners insist that GPs should not deliver assisted suicide as they are too busy and want to support all patients with earlier palliative care. Also concerned about "safeguards" that are impractical #medblue @profmarktaubert.bsky.social @bmj.com @doctoroxford.com

#assisteddying Illness trajectories explain why a prognosis of 6 months is flawed. Most people need terminal care 2 to 5 years. They cannot be “reasonably expected to die within 6 months”. They are likely to be alive 18 months later. Evidence ignored bmj.com/content/388/...

Terminal illness is already characterised by uncertainty about the future trajectory.

Prognostic uncertainty will become a more central issue if eligibility for assisted dying hinges on prognosis, say @samurray3.bsky.social and @simonnoahetkind.bsky.social
www.bmj.com/content/388/...