Week 11: End of life, dying and death Flashcards
Why is end-of-life care a challenging topic for many in Western cultures?
In Western cultures, there is often a death-denying culture and people tend to shy away from talking about end-of-life issues and death, This death-denying culture may stem from a fear of the unknown, a focus on youth and vitality, and a lack of experience and open discussion around mortality within families and communities. This avoidance can leave individuals and families unprepared for the practical and emotional challenges associated with dying.
what are the three key themes that emerge in research into “good death”?
The three key themes identified in research for a “good death” are control, autonomy, and independence, reflecting a desire for agency and self-determination during the dying process.
Name at least three of the twelve principles of a “good death” outlined in the lecture.
Three of the twelve principles include knowing when death is coming, being able to retain control of what happens, and being afforded dignity and privacy, and being able to say goodbye to loved ones.
What are the top three themes found in the Meier et al. (2016) review of 36 studies on “successful dying”?
The top three themes from the review were: preferences for the dying process (location, timing, etc.)(94%), pain-free status (81%), and emotional well-being (64%) including support and the chance to discuss the meaning of death.
What are some of the common feelings experienced by family caregivers at the end of a loved one’s life?
Common feelings experienced by family caregivers include worry, low mood, sadness, and isolation, particularly after the patient’s death, often compounded by a lack of preparation and support.
What are the key aims of palliative care and how does it differ from the perception of some that it means someone is dying immediately?
Palliative care focuses on relieving suffering and providing psychosocial support for people living with serious illnesses; it does not mean someone is dying imminently but rather that they need support at any stage of illness.
What are some of the reasons identified in the lecture that some groups may be less likely to receive the palliative/supportive care they need?
Certain groups are less likely to receive needed palliative care, including those with non-cancer diagnoses, people over 85 years of age, people from minority groups, those in more deprived areas, and individuals without a spouse or partner.
According to Singer et al. (1999), what are the five domains of quality end-of-life care?
The five domains of quality end-of-life care identified are: adequate pain and symptom management, avoiding inappropriate prolongation of dying, achieving a sense of control, relieving burden, and strengthening relationships with loved ones.
What were some of the ways oncologists in the Granek et al. (2016) study reported that they coped with the challenges of their work?
Oncologists reported coping by accepting and normalizing death, focusing on the positive, engaging in personal hobbies and activities, accessing social support, and using professional strategies like focusing on work or compartmentalization.
What does the Temel et al. (2010) study demonstrate about the impact of early palliative care for patients with metastatic lung cancer?
The Temel et al. (2010) study found that early palliative care, alongside standard oncology care, led to better quality of life, lower rates of depression, and even a 2.7-month increase in survival for patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer.
