what is a prognosis

A prognosis is a medical term used to predict the likely course and outcome of a disease, including the expected duration, function, and potential complications. It helps determine the prospect of recovery as anticipated from the usual course of the disease or peculiarities of the case. A complete prognosis includes the expected duration, function, and description of the course of the disease, such as progressive decline, intermittent crisis, or sudden, unpredictable crisis. Knowing the prognosis helps determine whether it makes more sense to attempt certain treatments or and thus plays an important role in end-of-life decisions and advanced care planning