End of Life Care

Question 1

what is palliative care?

Answer 1

a philosophy of care that emphasises quality of life. is performed by a MDT. communication between members is esstential. most provided in primary care with support from specialist practitioners and specialist palliative care units (or hospices). GPs can act as companions on a journey for patients undergoing palliative care

Question 2

palliative care in primary care

Answer 2

practices have a register of palliative patients. the practice team meet regularly to discuss the cases. enhances communication between team members. OOH also notified of paliative cases

Question 3

WHO palliative care

Answer 3

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 aaspects 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, inc bereavement counselling

Question 4

the team involved in palliative care

Answer 4

macmillan nurses
CLAN
marie curie nurses
religious or cultural groups

Question 5

a good death

Answer 5

pain free
open acknowledgment of the imminence of death
death at home surrounded by family and friends
an aware death, in which personal conflcts 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

Question 6

grief

Answer 6

is an individual experience
is a process that may take months or years
patients may need to be reassured that they are normal
abnormal or distorted reactions may need more help
bereavement is associated with morbidity and mortality