RESUMO
How can health professionals, especially those working in busy environments, foster hope and communicate effectively and therapeutically with patients at the end of their lives? Many authors agree that failure to comprehend the essence of what patients are communicating, either verbally or non-verbally, can adversely affect the level of support that health professionals can offer, and risks increasing patients' suffering and isolation, leaving them feeling hopeless. Anxiety and fear frequently invoke hopelessness and often cause patients to reject advice and important information given by clinicians. This article focuses on the importance of therapeutic communication in sustaining hope for patients at the end of life.
Assuntos
Atitude do Pessoal de Saúde , Comunicação , Esperança , Cuidados Paliativos , Assistência Terminal , Humanos , Relações Enfermeiro-PacienteRESUMO
In recent years, as treatment options for cancer sufferers have become more successful but also more exhausting, fatigue has become increasingly distressing and extreme for these patients. Despite this, the assessment and management of fatigue is frequently overlooked by health-care professionals. This article will focus on the assessment and management of cancer-related fatigue in patients with advanced cancer, assessing the evidence base in order to guide practice in a subject that poses a particular challenge to palliative care practitioners.
Assuntos
Fadiga/prevenção & controle , Neoplasias/complicações , Citocinas/sangue , Fadiga/diagnóstico , Fadiga/tratamento farmacológico , Fadiga/fisiopatologia , Humanos , Qualidade de VidaRESUMO
This article attempts to demonstrate the process of using experiential learning to reflect on nursing practice. This will be discussed in relation to the Atkins and Murphy's model of reflection. A case study will be used to demonstrate the complex issues of symptom management and the implications for improving and maintaining a consistent quality of holistic care within a hospice. The case of 'Sylvia', a 68-year-old woman with a diagnosis of incurable cancer, will be discussed in relation to the management of a fungating malignant lesion, pain management, the control of malodour, and maintaining dignified and respectful care and optimizing self-esteem and quality of life.
