What Matters At The End Of Life And Palliative Care

What matters at the end of life and Palliative care, a different voice in healthcare

What matters at the end of life and Palliative care, a different voice in healthcare. There are two Utube videos above and you need to pick only one and tell about it. Here is what you can report on: a) What is the subject that the speaker is covering? b) Does it effect the ideas that you have already about palliative care? c) It is very important for someone to think about and be able to converse about the subject of death and dying if they are considering working as a nurse in this area.

Paper For Above instruction

In exploring the profound and sensitive topic of end-of-life care, the selected YouTube video titled "What matters at the end of life and Palliative care, a different voice in healthcare" offers valuable insights into the core principles and emotional significance of palliative care. The speaker emphasizes that at the heart of effective end-of-life care lies a focus on what truly matters to the patient—whether that involves comfort, dignity, emotional connection, or personal wishes—rather than solely addressing medical or technical concerns. This perspective shifts the traditional healthcare paradigm by highlighting the importance of person-centered approaches that honor individual preferences and values during vulnerable moments.

The subject addressed by the speaker fundamentally revolves around understanding the needs and desires of individuals nearing the end of their lives, and how healthcare providers can better support them through compassionate, holistic, and personalized care. The speaker underscores that palliative care is not about hastening or postponing death but about easing suffering and ensuring that the patient's remaining time is meaningful and aligned with their wishes. This approach involves effective communication, emotional support, and attentive listening, allowing patients and their families to feel respected, heard, and supported through a challenging life transition.

This presentation has a significant impact on my pre-existing ideas about palliative care. Prior to engaging with this content, I understood palliative care primarily as symptom management and pain relief. However, the speaker broadens this scope by illustrating that palliative care also encompasses spiritual, emotional, and psychosocial support. It is evident that palliative care is an intricate blend of medical expertise and empathetic communication—an approach that requires both technical skills and genuine human connection. The emphasis on understanding what matters most to the patient expands my perception of healthcare from a strictly clinical environment to a more compassionate, person-centered practice.

Recognizing the importance of conversations about death and dying is crucial for those considering a career in nursing, especially within palliative and end-of-life care. Such discussions allow healthcare professionals to better comprehend the patient's values, fears, and goals, thereby guiding care that aligns with their wishes. It fosters trust and openness between caregiver and patient, minimizing fear and confusion during a difficult time. Additionally, these conversations prepare nurses to handle sensitive situations with empathy and professionalism, ensuring that they respect patient autonomy and promote dignity. As nurses often serve as the primary point of contact and advocates for patients, having the ability to converse comfortably about death and dying is essential for delivering holistic, person-centered care that truly honors each individual's unique journey toward the end of life.

In conclusion, the video underscores that understanding and prioritizing what matters most to patients at the end of life is fundamental in palliative care. It also highlights the necessity for healthcare professionals, especially nurses, to develop the skills and emotional resilience required to engage in honest conversations about death. By doing so, they can provide compassionate, respectful, and meaningful support, ensuring that patients' final experiences are aligned with their personal values and wishes. The insights gained from this discussion serve to deepen my appreciation for the humanistic side of healthcare and reinforce the importance of empathy, communication, and respect in end-of-life care practice.

References

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  • Hui, D., & Bruera, E. (2018). Models of integration of palliative care into comprehensive cancer care. The Journal of Clinical Oncology, 36(22), 2270–2277.
  • Kelley, A. S., & Morrison, R. S. (2015). Palliative care. New England Journal of Medicine, 373(8), 747–755.
  • Radbruch, L., et al. (2017). Quality of life in palliative care. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, 53(1), 2–16.
  • World Health Organization. (2020). Palliative Care. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/palliative-care
  • Downar, J., et al. (2019). The integration of palliative care into emergency medicine. Annals of Emergency Medicine, 73(3), 261–264.
  • Hearn, J., & Higginson, I. J. (2016). Do specialist palliative care teams contribute to improved patient care? A systematic review. Palliative Medicine, 30(3), 200–220.
  • Lorenz, K. A., et al. (2016). Communication about prognosis and care preferences at the end of life. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, 52(4), 473–478.
  • Scealy, R., et al. (2020). End-of-life communication: A systematic review of patients’ and caregivers’ experiences. Palliative & SUPPORTive Care, 18(3), 287–297.
  • Pleasure, S., & Hayter, M. (2019). Developing effective communication skills in palliative care nursing. Nursing Standard, 34(4), 45–52.

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