principles of palliative care

Question 1

What is palliative care?
(WHO, 2022)

Answer 1

• an apporach improving the quality of life of patients and families facing the porblem associated with life-threateneing illness
• this is through prevention and relief of suffering by means of early identification and assessment and treatment of pain and other problems
• these problems could be physucal, psychological and spiritual

Question 2

What is end of life care?
(NIH, 2022)

Answer 2

• used to describe the support and medical care given during the time surrounding death
• in the UK this refers to the last year of life

Question 3

What does the RCN (2021) say about end-of-life care and nurses?

Answer 3

• responsibility of all nurses and healthcare support workers in all settings
• end-of-life care should be considered for anyone with a progressive life-limiting condition who is potentially in their last year of life

Question 4

What are the impacts on nurses on delivering palliative and end of life care?
(Gardiner and Bolton, 2021)

Answer 4

• significant emotional effects for those not specialised in this area
• being supported by training and clinical supervision can lead to a more prepared and better skilled workforce
• its crucial nurses have access to information and resources on self care

Question 5

What are some common challenges for nursing students providing palliative and end-of-life care?
(Davenport, 2020)

Answer 5

• lack of preperation at time of death
• caring for dying is challenging, stressful, and demanding
• fear of not knowing enough: what to do, what to say, how to manage the situation
• fear of making mistakes, being insensitive, or putting a life at risk
• manage emotions

Question 6

List some good practices in palliative and end-of-life care.
(Davenport, 2020)

Answer 6

• having clear guidelines and protocols
• confidence in competencies- clinical skills
• communication skills
• support network
• prep-placement sessions
• keep communication open

Question 7

How does person-centered care tie in to end of life care?
(Boole and Watson, 2021)

Answer 7

• crucial to determine the person’s wishes and preferences regarding their treatment and place of care e.g. home, hospice, or hospital
• this is found out via advance care plannings and ‘ceilings of care’ discussions with the pateint and family
• aspects to consider: anticipratory prescribing, verification of death, bereavement support

Question 8

What are some areas to discuss when talking about death?
(Hospice UK)

Answer 8

• type of care they would like
• where they would want to die
• how long you wat doctors to treat you
• after death arrangements e.g. funeral, will, care of dependents
• how would you like to be remembered
• anything you want people to know before you die

Question 9

How can healthcare professionals support relatives and carers and the end of a patients life?
(Berry et al, 2017)

Answer 9

• communicate and anticipate individual needs
• discuss the process of dying
• ensure dignity for pateint and relatives
• provide support