End of life care planning is a critical aspect of healthcare that ensures individuals receive compassionate and respectful care aligned with their wishes as they approach the end of life. This End of Life Care Planning Training is designed to equip healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to support patients and their families during this sensitive time. By understanding the principles of effective communication, ethical considerations, and cultural competencies, participants will be better prepared to navigate the complexities of end-of-life care.
What You Will Learn:
- Ethical principles involved in end of life care, such as autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice
- Effective communication strategies for discussing end of life care with patients and their families
- Common symptoms experienced at the end of life, such as pain, dyspnea, and agitation
Details:
Course length: 1 hour and 15 minutes ; CME: 1.25
Languages: American English
Key features: Audio narration, learning activity, and post-assessment.
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End of Life Care
End of life care focuses on providing comfort, support, and dignity, to individuals nearing the end of their lives. It is a holistic approach that addresses not only the physical symptoms but also the emotional, spiritual, and psychosocial needs of both patients and their families. Effective end of life care involves a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, social workers, and chaplains, all working together to ensure that the patient’s final days are as peaceful and pain-free as possible. One of the primary goals of end of life care is to manage pain and other distressing symptoms, such as shortness of breath, nausea, and anxiety.
Honoring Patient Wishes in End of Life Care
Many Americans spend their final days in hospitals or nursing homes, often receiving care that does not align with their personal wishes or values. This misalignment often happens when patients, their families, and healthcare providers fail to communicate effective or neglect to address advance care planning adequately.
Exercising Patient Rights
Respecting the rights of patients and treating them with dignity is a fundamental aspect of palliative care. This includes honoring their right to make decisions about their own care. Patients nearing death have the right to exercise autonomy over their healthcare choices, including the right to refuse or discontinue treatment.
Understanding Terminal Care Planning
End of life care planning actively prepares for the final days of life when death is expected. This period can occur over a few days or extend over a hospital stay due to acute deterioration from conditions such as cancer. It also includes the gradual dying processes often associated with aging or dementia.
Key Priorities in Terminally Ill Care
Research has identified several key priorities for patients experiencing advanced illness and nearing death. These priorities focus on maintaining a high quality of care and addressing the unique needs of patients during this time. Patients consistently emphasizes the importance of receiving accurate and reliable medical information and access to expert pain and symptom management.
