Chapter 11 – Palliative and end of life care
This chapter starts by outlining the principles of palliative care and how it has progressed over time from focusing on cancer to the current application that spans across numerous serious and progressive diseases. We look at public perceptions and awareness of palliative, along with accessibility within different populations. Cultural perspectives about serious disease and dying are introduced to illustrate how beliefs influence patient and family care preferences and decision making. The role of hospice care is introduced alongside advanced care planning. The chapter ends with a discussion about pain relief and end of life care, emphasising the important of dignity, symptom control and quality of life.
-
Chapter 11 – Key Readings
These readings have been chosen by the author to support and enhance the chapter material.
Cain, C. L., Surbone, A., Elk, R., & Kagawa-Singer, M. (2018). Culture and palliative care: preferences, communication, meaning, and mutual decision making. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, 55(5), 1408–1419. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2018.01.007
Wakefield, D., Kane, C. E., Chidiac, C., Braybrook, D., Harding, R. (2021). Why does palliative care need to consider access and care for LGBTQ people? Palliative Medicine, 35(10), 1730-1732. https://doi.org/10.1177/02692163211055011
Waran, E., O’Connor, N., Zubair, M. Y., & May, P. (2016). ‘Finishing up’ on country: Challenges and compromises. Internal Medicine Journal, 46(9), 1108–1111. https://doi.org/10.1111/imj.13186
Worldwide Hospice Palliative Care Alliance. (2020). Global Atlas of Palliative Care (2nd edn.). Worldwide Hospice Palliative Care Alliance. https://www.palliativecare.in/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Global-Atlas-2nd-Edition-2020.pdf
-
Chapter 11 – Video Resources
There is no video resources for this chapter.
-
Chapter 11 – Reflective Questions
These questions are designed to prompt deeper thinking about the ideas and themes presented in this chapter.
- Why is it important to understand a person’s culture, background, or identity (such as being LGBTQI+ or Indigenous) when providing palliative care?
- Of what benefit is an advanced decision to refused treatment (advanced directive)?
- How has palliative care changed from its initial focus on pain relief and cancer?
