2010, Number 3
An Med Asoc Med Hosp ABC 2010; 55 (3)
The experience of death and palliative care. A view from nursing
Pichardo GLM, Diner K
Full text
Language: Spanish
References: 5
Page: 161-166
PDF size: 55.05 Kb.
ABSTRACT
The experience of death is a reality that often overwhelmes, frightenes and causes anxiety in the person who faces it either personally, or closely. In either case death so not leave anyone indifferent. The trace left on the health personnel is unavoidable and mysterious. The frequently confront dying patients, makes medical staff, take one of two opposite positions and evasions. The indifference that blocks all emotions and in order to avoid suffering; and the apprehension, that wear and exhausts. A doctor or nurse have a vital role in how their terminally ill patients prepare for that time. The meaning and values that reflect, serve to foster and give care. That is what palliative care is about. First alleviate physical pain, and then continue to let out moral suffering. Respecting the beliefs of patients, both the physician and the nurse should provide a follow up, both to the patient and to the family, allowing them to settle their affairs, only that way, death is accepted with an attitude of peace, as a natural process. Everybody must be prepared for a happy end, because everybody had been facing this crucial moment through, not only the patient. This way, death is «humanized», and these depends largely on the attitude of health personnel.REFERENCES