Palliative Care Principles
World Health Organization
WHO definition of palliative care is an integrated
people centered health services at all levels of care to
relieve suffering.
Therapies
Pain
Pain control
an approach that improves quality of life
of the patients by early identification, correct
assessment and treatment of pain and other problems
psycosocial
Well being of patient and their families
Symptoms of anxiety, depression, delirium,
need to be assessed and treated just as effectively
as the physical symptoms
Supporting and providing care in the home by home
support workers and members of the community
social
Suffering from many sources: extreme poverty, lack
of adequate food or clothing or housing. Sigma and discrimination, religious prejudice, financial hardship due to illness and unable to work.
Spiritual
Spiritual and existential concerns treated the same as physical distress and pain. Support may involve a spiritual carer, providing dignity-centered care.
Main topic
LPN Care
Bereavement support
Patients and family members often need emotional support to face the losses associated with death and dying. Staff are called upon to provide this support, also support from the community can be utilized.
Types of Care
Bereavement Assessment Tool
Role of LPN
Non-pharmaceutical interventions
Teaching the family about the use of soft music
and lighting, other comfort measures such as
sips of water, changing position in bed and pillows,
other cultural
Family Participation
Guiding the family through the palliative
process.
Family Education
Providing the tools and guidance to care for loved
one in the home. Keeping the family up to date,
what to be aware of as their family member needs
change. What to expect.
Home Care
Providing home care nursing support
as well as respite for the family. Providing
the family with a care aide to help alleviate
the burden of personal care for the patient.
and
Care
Provide support and education for
the family. Provide nursing care in a
culturally sensitive fashion for the client
and family.
Medication Administration
Providing education about the medications
for the patient, the purpose of them and what
they do. Making sure they are taken correctly.
Teaching about the different routes for each: eg
injections for pain relief for the patient.
Subtopic
Subtopic
Teacher
Subtopic
counsellor
caregiver
advocate
messenger
Being culturally sensitive
Family
Hospice, Palliative Care Unit
Comfort measures
Subtopic