Thus, clinicians are advised to consider patients that fulfill both of the following criteria as potentially dying patients, recognizing that these criteria may be overly inclusive: Presence of illness that is serious and expected to worsen Death within 1 year would not surprise the clinician If a patient is recognized as potentially dying, the clinician should Communicate the likely course of disease, including an estimation of the length of survival, to the patient, and, if the patient chooses, to family, friends, or both Discuss and clarify the medical goals of care (eg, palliation, cure) Discuss and clarify what matters most to the patient and loved ones (eg, being home, being at a future event, staying mentally clear) Arrange for desired palliative and hospice care, including supportive services (eg, home-delivered meals) Plan what to do when death is imminent Treat symptoms Help address financial, legal, and ethical concerns Help patients and caregivers deal with stress Patients should be involved in decision making as much as they can.