Palliative care is an essential part of modern medical treatment, as care focuses on improving the quality of life of patients with serious illnesses or patients facing the end of life.
Palliation is an approach that not only aims at the relief of physical pain, but also offers support for psychological, social, and spiritual well-being, both for the patient and the relatives.
Learning about palliative care involves understanding the basic principles, values, and importance of a holistic approach to care.
The basic principles of palliative care
1. Pain relief and symptom control: One of the primary goals in palliative care is to ensure that the patient experiences as little discomfort as possible. This involves effective pain relief and control of other symptoms such as nausea, shortness of breath and fatigue.
2. A holistic approach: Palliative care recognizes that a patient’s suffering is not only physical, but may also involve psychological, social, and spiritual aspects. Therefore, palliative care considers the patient’s individual needs and wishes.
3. Joint decision-making: The patient’s needs and wishes are given high priority in a palliative nursing approach. Healthcare staff, the patient and relatives therefore also work together to make decisions in connection with treatment and care.
4. Support for relatives: Palliative care also recognizes the significant role that relatives play in the patient’s life. Support and resources are therefore offered to relatives so that they can better handle the difficult situation.
Who may need palliative care?
Palliative care is aimed at patients undergoing serious and long-term illness. It can be particularly relevant for patients who are in a terminal phase where recovery is no longer an option.
Palliative care is therefore a treatment that aims to relieve symptoms, improve the quality of life, and provide support to the patient and relatives. A wide range of patients may require palliative care, including:
Patients with cancer: Cancer can be an unpleasant, difficult, and challenging disease. Although there are good treatment options, cancer patients can reach a stage where curative treatment is no longer possible.
Palliative care can then help relieve pain, nausea, fatigue, and other symptoms that may be associated with terminal cancer.
Patients with advanced heart, lung, or neurological disorders: These diseases can cause severe symptoms such as shortness of breath, heart problems or neurological complications that can have a significant impact on the patient’s quality of life.
Patients with advanced dementia: Dementia is a progressive disease that can have serious consequences for the patient’s mental and physical health. Palliative care can offer support to both the patient and their relatives through the course of the disease.
Patients with end-stage renal disease, liver disease or other life-threatening conditions: These patients may experience a range of serious symptoms and complications that require extensive care and support. For this, palliative care can be particularly relevant.
Elderly patients: Elderly patients with several concurrent illnesses may have complex care needs that require a holistic approach. Palliative care can help coordinate care and support for these patients and their families.
It is important to note that palliative care is not limited to a specific diagnosis or patient group. Any patient with a serious, life-threatening illness who experiences significant suffering and symptom burden can benefit from palliative care.
The aim is to improve the quality of life and alleviate suffering, regardless of the patient’s diagnosis or life expectancy.
Values in palliative care
1. Respect for the cycle of life: Palliative care respects the natural course of life and recognizes its end as an integral part of life. It is about helping the patient to live as comfortably and meaningfully as possible until the end of life occurs.
2. Dignity and respect: Every patient deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their illness or life situation. Palliative care places great emphasis on ensuring that the patient’s dignity is maintained throughout the care process.
3. Openness and honesty: Honest communication is essential in palliative care. Healthcare professionals are encouraged to be open and honest in their conversations with patients and their relatives. It is important to offer support and information that helps the patient and relatives to make decisions.
The importance of palliative care
There can be several reasons why palliative care can play an important role in the course of an illness. Especially improving the quality of life is important. It is often seen that a patient experiences a better course of illness with a nursing approach within palliative care.
In addition, the last phase of life can be experienced more comfortably meaningful for the patient by focusing on an improved quality of life.
Palliative care also contributes to supporting the patient’s individual choices. This ensures that the patient’s wishes and values are prioritized. It is essential for the healthcare staff to actively involve the patient in decision-making processes regarding nursing care.
The co-determination experienced can also have a reducing effect on the patient’s suffering, pain, and symptoms. A reduction in pain can have a positive effect on both the patient and relatives.
One last thing that is particularly important in palliative care is the support for relatives. In a challenging time when a loved one is very ill, there is a risk of promoting stress and an emotional strain on the closest relatives. The importance of offering advice and support can lighten the burden on the family so that there is more time for presence and peace.
Where can you get palliative care?
Palliative care is offered in many different places and can be adapted to the patient’s individual needs and preferences. Here are some of the places where you can typically get palliative care:
The hospital: Many hospitals have special palliative care units or palliative care teams that specialize in providing care to patients with serious illnesses.
At the hospital, patients can receive tailored symptom relief and care from an interdisciplinary team of doctors, nurses, and other health professionals.
Home care: Palliative care can also be delivered in the patient’s own home through home care organizations.
Private nursing: Through private nursing, you or your loved one can be assigned a private nurse who can provide palliative care in a familiar and safe environment.
With private nursing, the patient has the opportunity to remain in a comfortable environment and receive support from the private nurse.
Hospice: A private hospice is a specialized care facility designed to provide palliative care for patients with serious illnesses in the final stages of life.
At a home hospice, the focus is on creating a calm and comfortable environment where the patient can receive support, relief of symptoms and care from experienced staff.
The advantage of a private hospice, such as a private hospice in Copenhagen and the surrounding area, is the calm atmosphere that contributes to a gentle experience of life’s last chapter.
Palliative clinics and centers: There are also specialized palliative clinics and centers that offer outpatient care and support for patients with serious illnesses.
Nursing homes: Patients who live in nursing homes can receive palliative care if they need it. Several nursing homes collaborate with palliative care experts to ensure that patients receive the necessary care and support in their final years of life.
Palliative care focuses on creating a sense of calm, comfort and dignity for the patient and their family throughout the process. Learning more about palliative care is about understanding and appreciating the holistic approach to care.
Palliative care is not only important for the patient’s well-being, but the perception of an improved quality of life. This applies regardless of whether the patient is in the last phase of life or simply going through a long-term course of illness.
