Session 5: A Good Death Flashcards
What are the principles of a good death?
To be warned when death is coming and learn what can be expected.
To be able to retain control of what happens.
To be afforded dignity and privacy.
Control over pain relief and other symptom control.
Choice and control over where death occurs.
Spiritual and emotional support.
Time to say goodbye and control over other aspects of timing.
To be able to leave when it is time to go, and not to have life prolonged pointlessly.
What does palliative care involve?
Physical
Psychological
Emotional
Social
Spiritual
care of the person.
Why is death difficult for practitioners and patients?
Because our own death is unimaginable until it is knocking on our door.
Specific challenges to achieve a good death?
Truthfulness with patients
Enabling informed consent
Allow time to prepare
Avoiding isolation
Overcoming a wall of silence
Maintaing hope by accompanying them on the journey
It is important to never say ‘There is nothing more that can be done for you’.
Why?
Because some people will completely give up on life even though there is treatment to improve quality of life and extend life.
Key objectives of palliative care.
To minimise pain and suffering
Treat current and anticipated symptoms and improve health in general.
Assist with mobility and safety.
Allow meaningful interactions with family, carers and community.
Ensure patients will be able to understand and be able to make decisions.
What is the anticipatory grief?
The psychological stages of dying.
What are the steps of the anticipatory grief?
Anger
Denial
Bargaining
Depression
Acceptance or Resignation
What is the importance of holistic approach in palliative and end-of-life care?
Spiritual pain
Being informed
Resolving conflicts
Letting go
Saying goodbye.
This is all important both for the patient and for the people that they leave behind.
Definition of euthanasia.
The practice of intentionally ending a life to relieve pain and suffering
