A good end of life is a vital component in the care of people who need it. Palliative care aims at influencing the improvement in the quality of life of patients who have proven to have incurable diseases by means of advocating for an approach that is holistic and problem-oriented, including controlling the symptoms. Previously, cancer patients were the ones who were viewed to be the main recipients of palliative care, but it has become clear that good end of life is vital in managing any patient who has an incurable disease and is also vital to the elderly mainly because they often present some of the commonest aging syndromes like dementia and heart disease. Once diagnosed, it is vital to determine the appropriate time to discuss with the patient and the family about palliative and end-of-life care.
The most appropriate time to discuss with the patient about palliative and end-of-life care
According to a study by Tavares (2017), the quality and frequency of palliative care conversation in health care are generally poor because of many barriers and the fact that vital topics are often not discussed. One of the problems is tension between clinicians and the patients between the reality of the conditions of the patients and their level of hope which acts as a barrier for conversations and also has an emotional impact on all the parties. In addition, some patients often believe that having the information can have a negative effect on their level of hope and also increase the symptoms of depression and anxiety. It is worth noting that in many cases, physicians fear to take away the hope of the patients. However, discussing palliative and end-of-life care is vital in making sure that that the patients’ preference is respected at the end of life. It also ensures that the focus of the patients are re-directed to a goal that is more reasonable such as living long enough so that they can complete specific tasks and that there is an improvement in the quality of their lives (Ngo-Metzger, 2008).
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Such a discussion should not happen when the illness is at its advanced stage or when the patients are in the intensive care unit because their preferences will not be known and thus would not achieve its objectives. The discussion should be done immediately the diagnosis has been made and after the patient has been counseled. After being emotionally prepared, the patient can be informed about palliative and end-of-life care more effectively. Such information during this stage is vital because it will ensure that the preferences of the patient have been known and are respected. It will also ensure that the health care facilities and workers get the authority to take care of the patient so that they do not become a danger to themselves and others when their condition deteriorates. Finally, the early discussion will ensure that there is individualization in the approach that is taken by the clinician to ensure prognosis and hope, and also for a longstanding relationship with the physicians that ensures proper and personal care.
Conclusion
Evidently, the demand for end-of-life care has become greater as people get incurable conditions as they age. However, in many cases, the most difficult thing to do has been delivering the message to the patients and their families. However, to ensure that there is a satisfactory conversation on the issues, it is vital to do it once the condition has been diagnosed and after the patient has gone through a therapy session. early information will ensure that the preferences of the patient at the end-of-life have been fulfilled.
Reference
Ngo-Metzger Q, August KJ, Srinivasan M, Liao S, Meyskens, FL. (2008). End-of-Life Care: Guidelines for Patient-Centered Communication. American Family Physician , Pp. 167–174.
Tavares, N, Et. Al. (2017). Palliative and end-of-life care conversations in COPD: a systematic literature review. ERJ Open Research , Pp. 1-4.
