Abstract
[Extract] This guideline is intended to support symptom management for all patients receiving palliative care
Palliative care is the care of patients who have an advanced, progressive illness that is not curable, and in
general, will probably result in death within weeks or months (as opposed to many years). As such there is
an emphasis on quality of life and symptom control. At times there will also be a focus on active
interventions to reverse acute complications of illness and, in doing so, prolong a person’s life. At other
times there will be a focus on maintaining comfort and so avoiding interventions and instead allowing a
natural death. Palliative care extends past the physical and into the care of a person’s emotional and
psychological well-being. Good palliative care also takes note of the well-being of a dying person’s family
and friends. It is an art as well a science.
This book is intended for use by primary and
secondary care clinicians throughout the Isle of
Wight
It is not meant to be a replacement of other
textbooks – how could a book this small ever do
that! Nor is it intended as a set of strict protocols
that should always be followed. Rather, this book
is intended for health professionals who have a
good background knowledge of general medicine
and pharmacology and can use that background
knowledge and their experience in conjunction
with the advice found on these pages.
Palliative care is the care of patients who have an advanced, progressive illness that is not curable, and in
general, will probably result in death within weeks or months (as opposed to many years). As such there is
an emphasis on quality of life and symptom control. At times there will also be a focus on active
interventions to reverse acute complications of illness and, in doing so, prolong a person’s life. At other
times there will be a focus on maintaining comfort and so avoiding interventions and instead allowing a
natural death. Palliative care extends past the physical and into the care of a person’s emotional and
psychological well-being. Good palliative care also takes note of the well-being of a dying person’s family
and friends. It is an art as well a science.
This book is intended for use by primary and
secondary care clinicians throughout the Isle of
Wight
It is not meant to be a replacement of other
textbooks – how could a book this small ever do
that! Nor is it intended as a set of strict protocols
that should always be followed. Rather, this book
is intended for health professionals who have a
good background knowledge of general medicine
and pharmacology and can use that background
knowledge and their experience in conjunction
with the advice found on these pages.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Number of pages | 36 |
| Publication status | Published - 2014 |
| Externally published | Yes |
