On January 11, 2012, The New York Times reported on a review, conducted by Sei Lee, MD, and colleagues, of the many assessment scales used to estimate the likelihood of death within a given timeframe. The review determined which of the assessment scales were most effective. The best possible estimate of the likelihood of death can be an important piece of information for doctors and patients weighing the benefits and risks of possible tests, treatments, and health care decisions, like whether or not to enter into hospice care. Tools based on the assessment scales identified in the review are now available to health care professionals at EPrognosis.com. Dr. Lee is an assistant professor of medicine at the University of California, San Francisco and a 2011 Paul Beeson Career Development Awards in Aging Research grantee.
