I wonder if we're talking about the wishes of the patient (who may or may not be in a position to voice his wishes) or the family.

Reserach shows that families often push to "do everything" because the thought of losing an older relative--particularly a parent--is so frightening. It's the last barried between the middle-aged son or daughter and facing the reality of his or her own mortality.

Meanwhile, the patient himself may be tired out, in pain--and may not want to spend his final days tied to a bed in an ICU.(Patients often have to be tied to the bed so they don't fall out or jump out if they become delirious).

I wonder just how many patients at NYU receive palliative care?