PALLIATION: Palliative care is an interdisciplinary EOL approach to care which manages life- threatening or serious illnesses, regardless of age or condition, with the intent of improving quality of life, addressing physical and psychological symptoms, and facilitating a dignified death.
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End-of-Life Care - Province of British ColumbiaHospice Palliative Care | HealthLink BChttp://www.bccancer.bc.ca/books/neuro-oncology/management/palliationPotter, P.A. & Perry, A.G.; Canadian editors: Ross-Kerr, J.C. & Wood, M.J. Canadian Fundamentals of Nursing (5th Ed.) Canada: Mosby Elsevier 2014
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*COMFORT, QUALITY OF LIFE, PRESERVATION OF DIGNITY FOR THE PATIENT *
HOLISTIC CARE THAT ENCOMPASSES THE PHYSICAL, PSYCHOLOGICAL, SOCIAL, SPIRITUAL, & EXISTENTIAL ASPECTS OF THE PATIENT'S ILLNESS. THIS INCLUDES CARING FOR THE FAMILY.
AlloWS the patient to have autonomyto make more informed choices, to better alleviate symptoms, & to have more opportunity to manage unfinished business.
In 2015, Canada ranked 11th out of 80 countries on the international "QUALITY OF DEATH" index based on EOL care factors.
"Palliate" latin root "palliare", meaning "to cloak". synonyms- cover, conceal
MEDICAL SUPPORT: analgesics, opiods, chemotherapy, radiation, systemic steroids, surgery, pt & ot
MULTIDISCIPLINARY TEAM: PHYSICIANS, NURSES, SOCIAL WORKERS, PHARMACISTS, PASTORAL CARE STAFF, CARE AIDES, VOLUNTEERS, OTs, PTs, complementary therapists (music, art, massage), informal caregivers
Compassionate care is provided wherever the patient lives, or prefers to be (home, hospital, long-term care home or other)
HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS: *provide pain relief *affirm life and regard death as a normal process *neither hasten nor postpone death *integrate psychological, spiritual, & cultural aspects of patient care *offer a support system to help patients live as actively as possible until death. *help families cope during patient's illness and their own bereavement. *enhance the quality of life *provide post-mortem care
TYPES OF COMMUNITY CARE: community nursing services, community rehab services, home support, hospice care, respite for caregiver
*NURSES: Play a key role by establishing a caring relationship with both patient and family. They provide appropriate symptom-control measures for maintaining the patient's dignity & self-esteem. They prevent feelings of abandonment or isolation, and they provide a comfortable & peaceful environment at the time of death. They reassess patients on an continuum as patients' needs change, to maintain optimal comfort for the patient.
*COLLABORATION *COHESIVENESS *CONTINUUM OF COMMUNICATION
Advance Care Planning: Advance care planning involves you, as a capable adult, thinking and talking about your beliefs and values, and writing down your wishes or instructions regarding future health care treatment in the event you become incapable of speaking for yourself or making your own decisions. Advance care planning enables those who know you best to speak up for you and respect your wishes if asked to make a decision on your behalf.
