Patient cares continues even when medical treatment for terminal illness ends. Healthcare focus then turns to insuring patient comfort, as well as managing the progression of the terminal illness and its impact on loved ones. The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) suggests a comprehensive healthcare plan that helps terminal patients with issues such as advanced directives, pain management and dealing with relationships.
Advance Directives
Advance directives refer to legal documents instructing on medical and personal decisions toward end of life care. These typically provide a means for communicating through documentation to healthcare workers and loved ones on issues such as life-saving efforts, organ donation and resuscitation. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, advance directives come in the form of living wills and durable power of attorney. A living will describes the life-sustaining treatment allowed in case of emergency, and the durable power of attorney refers to assigning someone the responsibility of making medical care decisions for the patient.
Pain Management
Terminal illnesses often come with pain and extreme discomfort. The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization suggests that healthcare workers and patients explore medication and therapeutic options for managing pain. Palliative care, provided through hospice programs, offers a means for treating the painful emotional and physical symptoms of terminal illness. Palliative care is available at any time after diagnosis of terminal illness, and focuses on comfort and quality of life for the duration of the illness.
Coping for Loved Ones
The National Cancer Institute notes that both patients and loved ones need support and understanding about life expectancy after a terminal illness diagnosis, as well as a means for expressing the emotional pain associated with the pending loss. The NHPCO suggests that healthcare workers acknowledge the grieving process and facilitate a supportive dialog for patients and loves ones when the opportunity arises. Additionally, referrals for ongoing counseling through grief support systems can be offered to further aid loved ones in coping with the terminal illness.
