Palliative care

Question 1

Palliative care

Answer 1

The active holistic care of patients with advanced progressive illness. Management of pain and other symptoms and provision of psychological, social and spiritual support is paramount. The goal is achievement of the best quality of life for patients and their families.

Question 2

Aims of palliative care

Answer 2

Affirm life and regard death as a normal process

Provide relief from pain and other distressing symptoms

Integrate the psychological and spiritual aspects of patient care

Offer a support to help patients live as active a life as possible until death

Offer a support system to help the family cope during the patient’s illness and in bereavement

Question 3

When should palliative care begin?

Answer 3

At the point of breaking bad news. Patients are often anxious about the dying process soon after teh time of diagnosis. patietns potentially live with this fear for 2-5 years depending on their prognosis.

Question 4

Dying person’s bill of rights

Answer 4

Right to be treated as a livign human being until death

Right to maintain a sense of hopefulness
Right to participate in decisions concerning care
Right to expect continuing medical attention
Right to be free of pain
Rigth to die in peace and dignity