What are the five stages of palliative care?

Getting an overview of what palliative care is is not enough for a nursing student. Being a nursing student, you must also have a clear understanding of stages. Here is a small description of palliative care that you must go through once -

Stage 1 - Planning stage

This is the first stage of palliative care, where one needs to ensure a few points to make the process facile and smooth. Those key points are - what is the current and future treatment plan, what is the intended progression of your illness, important medicines and symptom relief, and lastly, Your initial care preferences.

Stage 2 - Unstable stage

Stage two is often known as the "unstable" phase since current symptoms worsen or new medical concerns emerge during this period. These unanticipated symptoms were usually not predicted during stage one, prompting your care team to make immediate modifications to your treatment strategy. The palliative care staff can also provide mental, emotional, and spiritual support at this time. This can be demonstrated through anxiety and depression counselling, religious groups, and recreational activities.

Stage 3 - Early Stage Care

Due to deteriorating symptoms, general health and physical function steadily deteriorate during this stage. There's also a chance that serious medical problems will arise, necessitating a review of the treatment strategy on a regular basis. Due to the increasing circumstances, the patient and their family may feel physical and mental discomfort throughout this period. During this time, emotional assistance from counsellors and therapists is essential.

Stage 4 - Late care stage

This is when your healthcare team will work with you to develop a plan for more long-term, end-of-life care. This is frequently the point at which hospice care is discussed. If you want to remain at home, they will work with you and your social worker to find live-in care with a caregiver who is familiar with your condition or disease.

Stage 5 - Bereavement

This is the final stage of the entire palliative care process. This happens after the patient counts the last breath. Usually, the time duration of this care is around 12 months. In this stage, they provide support to the family and friends of the patient.

7 Stages of Death

What are the principles of palliative care?

There are various types of palliative care principles that one should adhere to. The nurse should opt for a holistic approach to complete the care process so that the patient can count his last breath peacefully and calmly. The International Association for Hospice/Palliative Care has shared a few principles for guidelines that you must follow. Give a quick read into it -

A caring attitude
Caregiver support
Cultural considerations
Consent
Choice of the site of care
Communication
Comprehensive interprofessional care
Care excellence
Coordinated care
Continuity of care
Consistent medical care
Crisis prevention

Sample Assignment Done Under Our Experts Guidance

Our assignment help providers always provide nursing assignment help, be it palliative care or child care plan. If you also need help with assignments, then we are working round the clock to serve you the best. Here is a snapshot of the assignment completed under the guidance of our experts. Take a look at the files jotted here –

Palliative Care

What is the aim of palliative care?

The Essay Writing Service providers often say that as a nursing student, while performing palliative care, you must be mindful of its aim. The main aim of the care areas such -

Pain and other symptoms will be relieved.
Address your own and your carers' emotional and spiritual concerns.
Organise your medical treatment.
Enhance your quality of life when you're sick.

To manage pain, constipation, shortness of breath, and other symptoms, a palliative care specialist may prescribe drugs and other therapies. A social worker may help you and your family by coordinating your care and acting as an advocate.

Advanced palliative care professionals can provide spiritual guidance and assist you in exploring your values and beliefs. Medical information, emotional support, and home care assistance are all available from the palliative care team.

What are the Roles and responsibilities of the palliative care team?

A social worker, nurse, and doctor make up the multidisciplinary palliative care team. However, depending on the patient's demands, extra specialists are frequently added to the team. Chaplains, nutritionists, physical therapists, music and art therapists, pharmacists, counselors, and home health aides are some of the professionals that work in this field.

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to forming a palliative care team. Palliative care programmes are unique to each hospital. Palliative care services are sometimes more comprehensive in major hospitals, although smaller hospitals, nursing homes, and hospices often provide it. The primary roles and responsibilities of a palliative care team are -

Pain and other symptoms are treated by experts.
Open conversation about your illness's treatment options (including tough and complex options) and symptom management
Your care will be coordinated with all of your healthcare professionals.
Assistance in navigating the healthcare system
Assistance with making a facile transition from the hospital to home care or a nursing home
Practical, emotional, and spiritual support for you as well as your family members.

As the population grows, the importance and requirement of palliative care in Australia are enhanced. If you have enrolled in this course and need assistance to deal with the complexities of the course, then we are here for you. You can get in touch with us anytime to get the right quality assignment help. We are at your fingertips.

References

Palliative care services in Australia, Summary. (2022, 27 January). Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Geraadpleegd op 7 april 2022, van https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/palliative-care-services/palliative-care-services-in-australia/contents/summary
Principles of palliative care - International Association for Hospice & Palliative Care. (2022). Retrieved 7 April 2022, from https://hospicecare.com/what-we-do/publications/getting-started/principles-of-palliative-care/

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Nick Johnson

Nick is a multi-faceted individual with diverse interests. I love teaching young students through coaching or writing who always gathered praise for a sharp calculative mind. I own a positive outlook towards life and also give motivational speeches for young kids and college students.