I’ve read that patients with liver diseases are not always given palliative care early enough.  This sensitive 15-minute talk was given at UC San Diego Medical Center (10/12) by Julia Cain.  Two hepatitis (HCV Cirrhosis & HBV HCC) patients’ experiences are discussed.

The VA website provides minimal information on palliative care but states that one does not have to have a terminal condition to receive it.  Take-away: palliative care and hospice are two different health care “comfort” services.

http://www.va.gov/geriatrics/guide/longtermcare/Hospice_and_Palliative_Care.asp#