Case report: Poor prognosis or poor prognostication?

Abstract

Objectives: This case highlights the limitations of current prognostication and communication in clinical practice.

Methods: We report a case of a 50 year old patient with metastatic melanoma following admission to intensive care unit and later transferred to palliative care unit for end-of-life care.

Results: The patient had clinical improvement despite signs of predictors of death and was later transferred back to care of oncology team.

Significance of results: Physicians frequently overestimate or underestimate survival time which can be distressing to patients and families. There is need for further research to improve the accuracy of these tools for the sake of our patients and their families.