Importance of Advance Care of Planning and its Measure in Palliative Care for Patients Nearing Bitter End: A Review

Abstract

Background: Palliative care aims to reduce pain and suffering in patients and their families by a thorough assessment and treatment of physical, psychological, and spiritual symptoms. As a patient's death approaches, his or her symptoms may necessitate more aggressive palliation. Support for the dying patient's family should increase as comfort measures become more intense. Palliative care after a patient's death is largely concerned with bereavement and family assistance. Palliative care near the end of life requires assisting patients and their families in understanding the nature of their illness and prognosis. Palliative care professionals can assist patients and their families in determining appropriate medical care and aligning the patient's care goals with the healthcare team's aims. Finally, palliative care at the end of life requires determining the need for a medical proxy, advance directives, and resuscitation status. Physical pain, as well as substantial emotional, spiritual, and social misery, may be present in patients throughout their final hours and days. As death approaches, patients in their final days require careful symptom control, and families may need support and guidance. After the death is announced, the family is notified, and grieving support is provided, the care continues.