Palliative Care Flashcards
What is the definition of palliative care?
Palliative care is an approach that improves the quality of life of patients and their families facing the problems associated with life-threatening illness, through the prevention and relief of suffering by means of early identification.
What is meant by the term ‘approaching the end of life’?
When a person is likely to die within the next 12 months, including patients whose death is imminent and those with:
Advanced, progressive and incurable conditions.
General frailty and co-existing conditions
People at risk of dying from a sudden acute crisis of their condition.
Life-threatening acute conditions.
What are some of the symptoms and signs that suggest that a person is approaching the end of life?
Deterioration or worsening of their existing symptoms.
- loss of appetite
- reduced food and fluid intake
- loss of weight
- tiredness and fatigue
- physical weakness
- pain
- struggling with self-care
- loss of continence
- low mood
- constipation
- insomnia
Exacerbations of their condition may become more frequent or worsen.
What is meant by, ‘presumption in favour of prolonging life’?
Meaning you must take all reasonable steps to prolong life.
What is meant by, ‘presumption of capacity’?
You must work on the presumption that every adult patient has the capacity to make decisions about their care and treatment.
What are the four pillars?
Beneficence
Non-maleficence
Autonomy
Justice
What is the meaning of beneficence?
An act of charity, mercy, and kindness with a strong connotation of doing good to others including moral obligation.
What is the meaning of non-maleficence?
An obligation not to inflict harm on others.
What is the meaning of autonomy?
The right or condition of self-government.
What is the meaning of justice?
Ensuring fairness.
