Introduction to palliative care

Question 1

What are the patient desires in cancer treatment

Answer 1

1. Receiving the best treatment
2. Treated with respect and care
3. Involved in decisions about treatment and care
4. Information about condition, possible treatments and services
5. Offered optimal symptom control, psychological social and spiritual support
6. To die in peace (normally home)

Question 2

What does an effective service recognise

Answer 2

1. Individuals needs during each phase of illness
2. Families and other carers providing support as a key role
3. Partnerships between healthcare practitioners
4. Importance of caring for people dying from cancer

Question 3

Define palliative care

Answer 3

1. Improving the quality of life of patients and their families facing problems associated with life threatening illness, through prevention and relief of suffering
2. Early identification, impeccable assessment, treatment of pain and other problems associated with psychological, social, physical and spiritual

Question 4

What are the principles of palliative care

Answer 4

1. Focus on QUALITY rather than QUANTITY
2. Life affirming but death accepting
3. Effective communication
4. Respect for autonomy and choice
5. Effective symptom management
6. Caring about person
7. Holistic professional approach

Question 5

What is the responsibility of a healthcare practitioner in cancer treatment

Answer 5

Every person has a right to receive appropriate palliative care if they have life threatening illness, responsibility to deliver this

Question 6

What approach should be given to someone with low to moderate complexity palliative care needs?

Answer 6

Care delivered by patients usual professional carers as part of routine care

Question 7

How long should palliative care be given

Answer 7

Begins at diagnosis of life threatening condition and continues to death and bereavement

Question 8

What should a specialist palliative care be able to provide

Answer 8

1. Advice on symptom management
2. Provide information on diagnosis, treatment and investigates this
3. Offer: emotional, spiritual, physical and social support
4. Look closely on improving patients quality of life
5. Offer support via education to healthcare staff

Question 9

What symptom control might a healthcare professional provide to a cancer patient

Answer 9

Pain relief- strong opioids may be needed
Breathlessness
GI symptoms (nausea, vomiting)
Mental health