Palliative Care

Question 1

WHO definition of palliative care?

Answer 1

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 and impeccable assessment and treatment of pain and other problems; physical, psychosocial and spiritual

Question 2

What does palliative care do?

Answer 2

1. Provides relief from pain and other distressing symptoms;
2. Affirms life and regards dying as a normal process;
3. Intends neither to hasten nor postpone death;
4. Integrates the psychological and spiritual aspects of patient care;
5. Offers a support system to help patients live as actively as possible until death
6. Will enhance quality of life, and may also positively influence the course of illness

Question 3

When to do palliative care?

Answer 3

Applicable early in the course of illness, in conjunction with other therapies intended to prolong life e.g. chemo, radiation, surgery etc.

Question 4

What palliative care does for the patient and their family?

Answer 4

1. Offers a support system to help the family cope during the patient’s illness and in their own bereavement;
2. Uses a team approach to address the needs of patients and their families, including bereavement counselling, if indicated;

Question 5

Principles of palliative care?

Answer 5

1. attention to detail
2. honesty and respect
3. holistic
4. patient centered
5. problem oriented

Question 6

Attention to detail in palliative care?

Answer 6

Time spent here can bring great relief to the patient

Question 7

Honesty and respect in palliative care?

Answer 7

• This should be shown at all times and the truth given when asked for, in terms understandable by the patient.
• False reassurance helps no one.

Question 8

Holistic approach in palliative care?

Answer 8

Concern for the emotional, spiritual and social aspects of the patient’s care as well as controlling their physical symptoms

Question 9

Patient centered approach in PC?

Answer 9

1. To deal with what the patient thinks is the most important in all aspects of his/her care
2. Care tailored to patient and family needs within their culture
3. Frequency of reviewing Patient tailored to need, in the place most suitable to the patient and family

Question 10

Problem oriented approach to PC?

Answer 10

Taking time to deal with each problem in turn, no matter how small

Question 11

Definition of holistic approach?

Answer 11

Holistic Approach therefore means care for the whole person and incorporates physical, psychological, social and spiritual care within the cultural context of the patient

Question 12

Components of holistic care?

Answer 12

1. Physical care
2. Psychological care
3. Social care
4. Spiritual care