End of Life Care Flashcards

1
Q

What is the most common cause of death?

A

Most common causes of death are cancer and IHD.

Since 1995 cancer has outstripped IHD.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

what is the emphasis of palliative care?

A

improving quality of life

pain and symptom relief, spiritual and psychosocial support

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

who provides palliative care?

A

GP’s

multi-disciplinary team

primary care mostly - palliative care units (hospices)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What might be in anticipatory care planning?

A
  • where do they want to be cared for?
  • resuscitated or die naturally?
  • who to inform of their care and changes in condition?
  • aware of prognosis?
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

how is the anticipatory care plan implemented?

A
  • patient placed on the palliative care register
  • plan sent to out of hours service - so that anyone who is involved in the patients care is aware of the patients wishes.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

what are the domains of the palliative performance scale?

A
  • ambulation
  • activity and evidence of disease
  • self-care
  • intake
  • conscious level
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

what are the goals of palliative care according to WHO?

A

life and dying is a normal process - not to hasten nor postpone death

integrates the psychological and spiritual aspects of patient care

  • support system for patients/family to live/cope
  • team approach to address needs of patients and their families (bereavement counselling)
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

which professionals might be involved in palliative care situations?

A
  • macmillan nurses (liase with palliative medicine and provide support to patient and family)
  • CLAN
  • Marie Curie Nurses
  • Religious or Cultural Groups amongst other support networks.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

what makes a good death?

A

pain-free

surrounded by friends and family

aware, open acknowledgement

according to personal preference

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

what might help GP’s offer end of life care at their homes?

A

Gold Standards Framework

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

important pointers for breaking bad news

A

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

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

what are the different reactions to bad news?

A
  • shock
  • anger
  • denial
  • bargaining
  • relief
  • sadness
  • fear
  • guilt
  • anxiety
  • distress

SAD BRSF GAD

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

what is the definition of voluntary euthanasia, non-voluntarty euthanasia and physician assisted suicide?

A

voluntary euthanasia – patients request

non voluntary euthanasia – no request

physician assisted suicide – physician provides the means and the advice for suicide.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

If someone expresses the wish to die, how should you respond?

A
  • listen
  • acknowledge the issue
  • explore the reasons for the request
  • explore ways of giving more control to the patient
  • look for treatable problems
  • remember spiritual issues
  • admit powerlessness
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly