1. The End-of-life Intensive Care Experience of a Terminal Cancer Patient Combined with Hospice Care.
- Author
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Wang, Chao-Yun and Chen, Tzu-Fei
- Subjects
TREATMENT of dyspnea ,PAIN management ,CHAPLAINS ,FEAR ,HOSPICE care ,INTENSIVE care nursing ,INTENSIVE care units ,INTERPROFESSIONAL relations ,MEDICAL quality control ,NURSING models ,SPIRITUALITY ,TERMINALLY ill ,ATTITUDES toward death - Abstract
ABSTRACT:The purpose of the article was to present an end-of-life care experience of a terminal cancer patient with hospice care in an intensive care unit. The nursing period was from May 20th, 2009 to June 8th, 2009. Gordon's eleven functional health patterns were applied to evaluate and observe the patient, and data were obtained through a written conversation. We confirmed that the patient exhibited problems of pain, shortness of breath and spiritual disturbance. To relieve the symptoms of pain and shortness of breathe, non traditional medicine treatment and adjuvant therapy were applied. The emotional expressions of the patient and family were embraced with wholehearted company, love, care and open mindedness.The patient's fear of death was overcome through a joint effort of nurses, hospice care team and religious chaplain, and endow the patient with the essence of Buddhism via communication. Through this valuable care experience, we hope to serve as a reference for acute and critical care team ways to collaborate with hospice care and attain high quality end-of-life care. (Tzu Chi Nursing Journal, 2012; 11:5, 101-110) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2012