Hello and thank you for the invitation to present the humanistic dimension of palliative care as a nurse. My name is Monika Polipowska and I am a Master of Nursing and a specialist in palliative care and long-term care. I have worked with difficult and acute patients, many of whom are in palliative care, including geriatric and end-of-life patients who require high quality care.
I have been working in the Hospice of the Queen of Peace in Tarnowskie Góry and in the Palliative Medicine Unit of the Saint Camillus Hospital in Tarnowskie Góry for more than 20 years. However, my professional experience is much broader. In addition, I am involved in the education of young students of the nursing profession at the level of studies and specialisation and training.
Today I would like to focus on palliative care as a way of coping with a difficult illness such as cancer. In palliative care, the focus is on providing comfort and dignity for the patient, as well as emotional and spiritual support for the patient and their family. This requires the collaboration of many professionals, including nurses, to provide optimal care for the patient at every stage of the illness.
It is very important that the patient and his or her family are fully informed about the patient's condition and any treatment options, as well as the forms of support available. It is also important to remember that palliative care does not mean giving up on treatment,
Cancer is often a sudden and severe experience that involves immense suffering, both physically and emotionally. The long-term experience of pain and suffering touches all aspects of human existence. For the patient, their family and the nursing team, the recognition of this illness becomes a huge challenge. The nurse spends the most time with the patient, so this challenge becomes a source of professional development for the nurse and provides an opportunity to provide specialised, thoughtful patient-centred nursing care.
As part of nursing care, we use a variety of methods and remedies to relieve pain and combat the symptoms of illness, such as dyspnoea, sores or cachexia. The nurse is also concerned with ensuring the patient's comfort and dignity, as well as emotional and spiritual support for the patient and family. Palliative care does not mean giving up on treatment, but is an adjunct to standard treatments that aims to improve the patient's quality of life in the face of illness.
Humanism in palliative care is first and foremost about being with the patient and being there for them in difficult times, but also about providing professional and specialised nursing care. Thanks to medical advances over the past decades, we have access to many technologies and procedures, but we often forget about the patient's needs, suffering and fear of death. At such moments, palliative care meets these needs and provides a counterbalance to harsh medicine by focusing on the person and their needs.
According to online data, more than 90% patients expect doctors and nurses to listen to them, and more than 60% rate their competence as satisfactory. However, a similar number say that doctors are not clearly interested in their cases. In palliative care, the focus is on ensuring that the patient is listened to and empathised with, and that professional nursing care is provided to reduce their suffering and improve their quality of life in the face of illness.
Humanism in palliative care means returning to the roots of medicine, that is, a human-centred attitude. It means caring for and respecting the dignity of the patient, and ensuring that the patient feels safe from the first to the last day of contact with medicine. It is important that these two things - the human face of medicine and professionalism - go hand in hand. I believe that by working together with the patient and his or her family, and with our training and competence, we are able to provide humanistic palliative care. The nurse is well placed to make therapeutic decisions that are best for the patient.
The humanistic dimension of palliative care in the context of nursing. I am a Master of Science in Nursing and a specialist in this field. I have been working in the Hospice of the Queen of Peace in Tarnowskie Góry and in the Department of Palliative Medicine of the Saint Camillus Hospital in Tarnowskie Góry for more than 20 years.
When dealing with cancer patients, I realise how much they suffer both physically and emotionally. In palliative care, our task is to alleviate their pain and symptoms, but also to make them feel safe and dignified in the last moments of their life. To this end, collaboration with the patient and their family, as well as professional nursing care, is essential.
Palliative care addresses the needs of sick, suffering and dying people. Nurses in this field are extremely competent and empowered to make therapeutic decisions that are best for the patient. Humanism in palliative care means focusing on the patient's needs, providing emotional, informational and instrumental support, and respecting the patient's dignity, freedom and right to express their will. It is important that nurses treat patients as subjects and seek to understand their emotions and needs. Humanism in palliative care also means respecting the patient's intimacy and ensuring a sense of security.
Ladies and Gentlemen, the development of medicine in recent decades has brought enormous advances, but also challenges. Among these is the issue of humanising the care of critically ill and dying patients. Palliative care responds to these needs by combining professional medical interventions with caring for the patient and his or her family. It is important to view the person as a subject, to respect their dignity, freedom and intimacy, and to provide them with a sense of security and emotional support. This approach requires cooperation between doctors, nurses and the patient and his or her family, but above all it requires respect and regard for human dignity.
Palliative care is specialised and interdisciplinary medical, psychological and social support for people with life-threatening illnesses, with the aim of giving them the best possible quality of life until their last moments.
Ladies and Gentlemen, humanism in palliative care nursing means first and foremost looking at the human being as a subject with the right to dignity, freedom and respect for intimacy. It is important to provide the patient with a sense of security and emotional support in the last moments of their life.
In addition to symptomatic treatment, collaboration with the patient and his or her family and the provision of extensive informational and instrumental support are also important in palliative care. The nurse in palliative care is in a great position to make therapeutic decisions that are best for the patient.
Humanism in palliative care nursing is all about listening to the patient, respecting their freedom and dignity, and providing them with safety and emotional support. It is also about collaborating with the patient and their family and providing them with extensive support during difficult times.
Nowadays, the need to provide psychological, social and psychological support to patients during their illness is increasingly being discussed. Through such care, patients and their families can better cope with the difficult situation of serious illness and impending death. Hospice care is an activity that aims to improve the quality of life of the patient and their loved ones, to prevent certain situations and symptoms and to reduce suffering by identifying, assessing and treating symptoms.
What sets us apart from other medical facilities? Our interdisciplinary team, which includes a doctor, a nurse, a physiotherapist, a psychologist, a clergyman, a volunteer and, increasingly, a lawyer. Each of us is a professional in his or her field, but also has knowledge of the work of his or her teammates. This enables us to provide holistic care to the patient, looking at them holistically.
We are confident that with our knowledge and experience we are able to provide support to patients and their families at a difficult time in their lives. We care for their dignity and intimacy and make them feel safe and at ease.
Palliative care is an intervention that aims to improve the quality of life of the patient and their relatives facing a serious illness, progressive disease and life-threatening illness. It is also the prevention of certain situations and symptoms and the alleviation of suffering through the identification, assessment and treatment of these symptoms. Preventive action and a professional approach to the patient are important.
Our strength is our interdisciplinary team, which includes a doctor, a nurse, a physiotherapist, a psychologist, a clergyman, a volunteer and, increasingly, a lawyer. Each of us is a specialist in his or her own field, but also knows the work of our teammates. This allows us to look at the patient holistically and provide comprehensive care.
It is also important to listen to the needs of the patient and their environment in which they live and from which they come. They are the ones who set the tone for care, and we must be prepared to be flexible and individual. All this is done to ensure that the patient has dignity and peace of mind during difficult times.
Dear Sirs, Palliative care is an intervention that aims to improve the quality of life of patients and their families in the face of serious illness and progressive life-threatening illness. It aims to prevent and relieve suffering by identifying, assessing and treating symptoms and providing extensive support. An important feature of palliative care is the professional approach to the patient and his or her family and the use of an interdisciplinary team that includes, among others, a doctor, nurse, physiotherapist, psychologist and clergy. Such comprehensive care takes into account the needs and preferences of the patient and respects his or her dignity and rights. Palliative care aims to provide patients and their families with dignified and caring care in the face of illness and death.
Dear Internauts, cancer is one of the most serious diseases a person can face. In such a situation, it is not only the expertise of specialists that is important, but also the ability to communicate with the patient and his or her family and to understand their needs. An interdisciplinary team comprising doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, psychologists, clergy and volunteers is able to provide support to patients on many levels, which can significantly improve their quality of life during difficult times. A preventive approach and education of patients and their families is also important in order to prevent crises and reduce suffering. Let us remember that hospice care is not only about symptomatic treatment, but above all about the dignity and well-being of the patient.
Palliative care is an intervention that aims to improve the quality of life of the patient and his or her family facing a severe, traumatic illness. The aim of palliative care is to prevent symptoms and alleviate suffering through the identification, assessment and treatment of symptoms and extensive support. Preventive action and a professional approach to the patient are important elements of this care.
What sets us apart from others? Our interdisciplinary team. It consists of a doctor, a nurse, a physiotherapist, a psychologist, a clergyman, a volunteer and, increasingly, a lawyer. Each of us is a professional with a great deal of knowledge and experience in his or her field, but also has knowledge of the work of colleagues in the team. As a result, we look at the patient holistically and are an ideal team of interconnected vessels.
The nurses also undertake educational activities at a high level, imparting factual knowledge adapted to the level of the patient and family. They provide a wide range of support, remembering that the person is always at the centre of what we do. Communication is also important, allowing us to understand the patient and his or her problems. Let us remember that the psyche and the body cannot be separated, they are one.
Patients, caring for their dignity and respect. We should remember that the patient is a person with feelings and needs, and we should always ask their opinion and involve them in the treatment process. Nurses have an important role in providing quality care to patients by providing sound and professional knowledge as well as emotional support. It is also important to remember to communicate and understand the patient and their problems and treatment processes. Nurses should also avoid putting patients down and giving comforting, unsupportive messages, as these can lead to feelings of loneliness and ignoring the patient's needs. Empathy and humanism are important in nursing care, which will enable us to provide patients with dignity and dignified treatment.
Dear patients, providing effective pain management to the patient is extremely important in the process of medical care. This requires a thorough assessment of the patient's situation and effective communication skills to understand the nature of their pain and symptoms. Nurses and doctors should work together with the patient and their family to provide appropriate care and pain relief. The right to effective pain management for people in the last stage of life must be respected by all healthcare professionals. It is also important to look out for symptoms, such as facial grimacing, tense muscles or accelerated breathing, that may indicate a patient is in pain.
Patients teach us the importance of the everyday, often overlooked moments that we see in the flow of everyday life. Nurses should remember that there is a feedback interaction between the patient and the nurse and we need to be aware of this influence. There are times when we are not always in control of our emotions and our contact with the patient is not always positive. This is normal and natural, but it is important not to discourage the patient from speaking further. Sentence consolations such as "Please don't worry, everything will be fine" do not bring reassurance and often give a feeling of loneliness. It is important to work together with the patient and family to develop a treatment plan and monitor the effectiveness of pain management. Nurses can help the patient understand the extent of the pain and suggest various treatments, both pharmacological and non-pharmacological, such as relaxation and proper breathing. It is important to administer medication punctually and be aware of the effectiveness of the treatment.
Dear boarders, pain is a common symptom of illness and its effective treatment should be an important part of palliative care. Nurses and other health care providers should be able to identify and treat pain in patients, especially those in the final stages of life. It is important to communicate appropriately with the patient and ask them about their symptoms in order to treat them effectively. Education and experience are key to effective pain management and improving patients' quality of life.
The patient changes his face and also his eyes. I watch this from the side, not expecting this situation. I don't know what will be good. I'm sorry, but nothing good will come of it. This view is heartbreaking. Nursing and medical students shuffle through the ward saying 'goodbye' and 'see you tomorrow'. They don't see the patient I'm watching. Who knows if there will be a tomorrow for any of us? Let us remember that we are working with a patient who has many emotions and an awareness of their limited time. Such statements that do not offer reassurance or reassurance, only a sense of loneliness, are not advisable. The patient feels ignored and disregarded, often feeling that they are unimportant and their problems are being downplayed.
Nurses and other healthcare professionals should remember to be humanistic in their daily activities and to care for the well-being of the patient. This is crucial in palliative care, where one of the most important principles is effective pain management. This is a fundamental right of the patient and a duty of all healthcare professionals. In order for pain to be treated effectively according to standards, it is essential that nurses have the appropriate education and experience to be able to recognise and effectively manage this problem.
Palliative care is a branch of medicine that treats patients with terminal illnesses, such as cancer, to reduce suffering and improve quality of life. During palliative care, pain is one of the most important symptoms to be treated effectively. To achieve this, it is necessary to accurately recognise and understand the causes of the patient's pain and to use appropriate pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods. Nurses and other healthcare professionals should be trained to assess and treat pain and monitor its effectiveness. In addition, communication with the patient and his or her family is crucial for successful palliative care. An equally important issue in palliative care is cancer wounds, which can cause pain and other symptoms. Therefore, it is important that nurses and other healthcare professionals are educated and experienced in treating these diverse wounds.
Dear Interns, wound care is an important part of palliative care, which aims to provide the best possible comfort and relief of suffering for the patient. Nurses and caregivers are responsible for monitoring and treating pain and symptoms correlating with the disease, including cancer wounds. To effectively treat these types of wounds, it is important to use the right tools and follow the principles of professional care. It is also important to look at the patient holistically and tailor treatment to their needs and responses. Remember that palliative care is not only about treating pain, but also about providing the patient with dignity and a sense of security during difficult times.
Dear Internauts, palliative care is a branch of medicine concerned with providing physical and psychological comfort to patients with advanced illness. One important principle of this care is effective pain management. Therefore, it is important that nurses and other healthcare professionals ask patients the right questions about pain and its severity.
Let us remember that effective pain management is a fundamental right of the patient. Therefore, nurses should be adequately trained and educated in this area so that they can recognise and treat pain effectively.
In addition, it is important to approach the treatment of cancer wounds in a holistic manner, taking into account not only the wound itself, but also all factors that may impede the healing process. Nurses should be adequately prepared to work with such wounds, have the right tools and follow the recommendations of the Polish Wound Healing Society.
Remember that every patient is different and requires an individual approach. Therefore, it is important to ask patients about their complaints, listen carefully to their answers and adapt the treatment to their needs.
When deciding to undergo a medical procedure, it is important to be aware of all treatment methods, both pharmacological and non-pharmacological. It is also important to pay attention to symptoms that may indicate pain or discomfort to the patient, such as muscle tension, changes in breathing or heart rate. Pain assessment is important and should be repeated regularly.
Nurses and nurse practitioners have a key role in caring for patients with cancer wounds. These wounds are highly variable and can progress, so it is important to provide appropriate care and approach them holistically, taking into account the whole patient, their needs and reactions. When caring for cancer wounds, it is important to use the right tools and methods, such as appropriate dressings and hygiene techniques, and to ensure that the patient is fully informed and has the opportunity to participate in the healing process.
In conclusion, let us keep in mind all aspects of the treatment and care of patients with cancer wounds. It is important to provide them with the right care, use the right methods and tools, and always listen to the patient and be a reliable partner for them in the treatment process.
Nurses in palliative care often face difficult challenges in the complex care of patients with cancer. This is particularly important in the case of cancer wounds, which can lead to bleeding and infection, as well as pose a risk to the patient's mental health. Nurses should ensure that they provide patients with effective care, appropriately selected dressings and use appropriate wound hygiene techniques. It is also important that nurses carry out their work according to the principles of professionalism and medical knowledge, and are credible in their words and actions. Finally, palliative care should be based on a humanistic approach to the patient, with respect for his or her dignity, freedom and the environment in which he or she lives.