Palliative Care

Question 1

who is looked after in palliative care

Answer 1

palliative care patients with cancer and

other conditions.

Question 2

What is the WHO definition of palliative care

Answer 2

• relief from pain and other symptoms
• affirms life
• regards dying as a normal process
• neither hastens or postpones death
• integrates the psychological and spiritual aspects of patient care
• offers support system to patients to live as actively as possible until death
• offers a support system to help families cope during the patients illness and in the bereavement phase;
• team approach to deal with the needs of patients and families, including bereavement counselling, if needed;
• enhance quality of life,
• positively influence the course of illness;
• applicable early in the course of illness, with other therapies intended to prolong life, such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy, and includes investigations needed to manage complications.

Question 3

Why is Palliative care important

Answer 3

One thing certain in life and that is death

All doctors will experience dying patients

A “good death” should be the norm

Question 4

what is palliative surgery

Answer 4

• have an operation even though you have a terminal illness to improve the quality of life and may prolong the lifespan

Question 5

What is end of life care

Answer 5

• this is usually during the final weeks of life when patients lose the ability to do everyday activities and therefore need help to do this

Question 6

what is the main cause of terminal agitation

Answer 6

full bladder

- important to check the cause of terminal agitation before sedation is given

Question 7

what 4 things are involved in total pain

Answer 7

• physical elements
• psychological elements
• social elements
• spiritual elements

Question 8

What are the factors defining a good death

Answer 8

• preference
• pain free
• emotional well being
• family
• dignity
• life completion
• religiosity
• treatment preference
• quality of life
• relationship with health care professional
• other

Question 9

describe the factors defining a good death

Answer 9

Preference

• Death scene (how, who, where, when)
• Dying during sleep
• Preparation for death (e.g. Advanced directives, funeral arrangements)

Pain free

• Not suffering
• Pain and symptom management

Emotional well being

• Emotional support
• Psychological comfort

Family

• Family support
• Family is prepared for death

Dignity

• Respect as an individual
• Independence

Life completion

• Saying goodbye
• Acceptance of death

Religiosity/spirituality
- Religious/spiritual comfort

Treatment preference

• Not prolonging life
• Belief that all available treatments were used
• Choice

Quality of life
- Maintaining hope, pleasure, gratitude

Relationship with Health Care Professional
- Trust physician/nurse

Other

• recognition of culture
• Physical touch
• Being with pets