Lecture 23 - palliative care

Question 1

what is palliative care?

Answer 1

Palliative: ‘relieving pain or alleviating a problem without dealing with the underlying cause

A holistic approach that addresses the persons physical, spiritual and emotional needs

Question 2

what does WHO say about palliative care?

Answer 2

Provides relief from pain and distressing symptoms

Affirms life and regards dying as a normal process

Intends to neither hasten nor postpone death

Integrates the psychological and spiritual needs of the patient

Offers support to help patients live as actively as possible until death

Offers support to help the family cope during the patient’s illness and their own bereavement

Uses a team approach to address the needs of patients and their families, including bereavement counselling

Question 3

what are examples of end of life medications on the network pharmacy stock list?

Answer 3

Examples on the list include opioids (alfentanil, morphine) and end-of-life injectables (midazolam, levomepromazine)