End of life care

Question 1

Definition of end of life care

Answer 1

• Also known as palliative care
• Emphasises quality of life and provides support to patients in their last leg of life

Question 2

Palliative care in primary practice

Answer 2

• Practices have registered palliative patients
• Practice will meet regularly to discuss cases
• Enhances communication within MDT
• Out-of-hours also notified

Question 3

WHO criteria for palliative care

Answer 3

• Provides relief from pain and other distressing symptoms
• Affirms life and regards dying as the natural process
• Neither hastens or postpones death
• Integrates psychological and spiritual needs of the patients
• Offers support system to help patient live actively until death
• Offers support system to help family cope during patients illness and bereavement
• Team approach to address needs of patients and family

Question 4

Team involved in palliative care

Answer 4

• Health and Social Parternship Team
• Macmillan Nurses
• Marie Curie Nurses
• Religious or cultural groups

Question 5

What is the definition of a good death

Answer 5

• Pain free
• Understanding of imminent death
• Death at home and surrounded by family and friends
• Resolution of personal conflicts and unfinished business
• Death as personal growth
• Death according personal preferences and manner of the individual