EXAM 2: Palliative care, end of life, and bereavement Flashcards
What is palliative care?
“…improves the quality of patients and that of their families who are facing challenges associated with life-threatening illness, whether physcial, psychological, social or spiritual”
What are the goals of palliative care?
Reduce distress and improve quality-of-life (management of symptoms such as pain, nausea/vomiting and decressing psychoilogical distress). Communication (ongoing discussion and information about palliative care throughtout illness, understand unique needs of children and families)
Is palliative care and end of life care the same thing?
No, palliative care and end of life care are not that sane. Over time, level of palliative care increases as effectiveness of curative treatment decreases. Eventually leads to end-of-life care
Is bereavement care a part of palliative care?
Yes, it’s the last section of palliative care
When is the best time to introduce palliative care to a child and their family?
Early referral to palliative care is important. Ideal to integrate palliatvie care at diagnosis, complementing curative care.
How would a lack of communication affect a child who is facing the end of life?
May lead to increased feelings of isolation among youth who are aware they are facing end of life
What age do children begin to understand that death is permanent and universal?
Ages 6-8 start the understanding that death is irrevocable and universal.
What roles might a pediatric psychologist play when working with a child who is facing the end of life?
Pediatric psychologists can facilitate communication between child, family, and medical team (aid parent in talking about death with child, provide developmentally-appropriate ways for child to say good-bye, in ways like art of booklets). Asses family preferences for end-of-life care (place of death, life-sustaining treatment). Essential to consider familiy’s cultural, moral, and spiritual values and beliefs).
