Heart Education Awareness Resource and Training through eLearning (HEARTe)



Definition of prognosis

Three triggers that suggest that patients are nearing the end of life are:

  1. The Surprise Question: ‘Would you be surprised if this patient were to die in the next few months, weeks, days’?
  2. General indicators of decline – deterioration, increasing need or choice for no further active care.
  3. Specific clinical indicators related to certain conditions.

Pulse point

Further information:

Prognostic Indicator Guidance GSF [.pdf]

Page last reviewed: 28 Jul 2020