End of Life Flashcards
What steps are used in the Supportive and Palliative care assessment tool?
1- Ask yourself if anyone would be shocked if the patient died in the next 6-12 months
2-Look for general clinical indicators (performance status, multi morbidity, new chronic diagnosis, if in care home, 2+ unplanned admissions and weight loss)
3- Look for systemic poor prognostic signs (cardio, resp, kidney, cancer, neuro and liver)
4- Assess family and support needs. Plan care and treatment. Consider adding to register
What can be used to quantify a patients need for palliation?
Palliative Performance Scale
What are the WHO goals for palliative care?
Provides relief from pain and other distressing symptoms
Affirms life and regards dying as a normal process
Intends neither to hasten nor postpone death
Integrates the psychological and spiritual aspects of patient care
Offers a support system to help patients live as actively as possible until death
Offers a support system to help the family cope during the patients illness and in their own bereavement.
Uses a team approach to address the needs of patients and their families, including bereavement counselling if indicated
What aspects can be considered in a ‘good death’?
Pain-free death
Open acknowledgement of the imminence of death
Death at home surrounded by family and friends
An ‘aware’ death, in which personal conflicts and unfinished business are resolved
Death as personal growth
Death according to personal preference and in a manner that resonates with the person’s individuality
What organisation provides training and help to staff working in palliative care?
The Golden Standard Framework
What is the process of breaking bad news?
Listen Set the Scene Find out what the patient understands Find out how much the patient wants to know Share information using a common language Review and summarise Allow opportunities for questions Agree follow up and support
What are the stages of a natural grief reaction?
Shock Anger Denial Bargaining Relief Sadness Fear Guilt Anxiety Distress
What are the differences between voluntary and non voluntary euthanasia and physician assisted suicide?
Voluntary Euthanasia – patients request
Non Voluntary Euthanasia – no request
Physician assisted suicide – Physician provides the means and the advice for suicide.
