Palliative Care Flashcards
What is palliative care
Improving QOL of patients and families with life threatening illness
Aims to prevent and relief suffering by early identification of need and assessment and Rx of symptoms e.g. pain
Dels with physical, psychosocial and spiritual problems
What is important when preparing to die at home
Discuss wishes with family Discuss wishes with GP Document his preferecnes and wishes for care on electronic patient record Regular review and assessment Involvement of social care Necessary drugs at home Out of hours community staff aware Anticpatory care plan Advanced directive
What is an anticipatory care plan
VOLUNTARY discussion between individual and care provider
Makes clear a patient’s wishes in deterioration if not able to communicate or lose capacity
Can include
DNACPR
Advanced directive
Lasting power of attorney
Will writing
Is it legally binding
No but used to determine best interest
Documented in notes
What should be done regularly
Review and update
What is an advanced directive
If >18 can make decision to refuse Rx but must be valid and applicable to the current circumstances
What is an assessment at end of life
Gathering information to make a decision or plan care
Ensure well-being maintained and plan to manage deterioration
Takes in individual, family and carer needs
What is important to individual
What 4 domains of holistic care
Physical - Sx and functioning Social - Housing needs and managing - Work and finance - Family - Social and recreational Psycho-social - Mood and interests Spiritual - Faith and belief
What does end of life pathway invovle
Dicussion Assessment, care plan and review Co-ordinate care Delivery of quality services Care in last few days Care after death
