Question

understanding your beliefs and baggage

1. one key message in the text is that the principles of palliative care can be integrated into care early in

the dying process. is this a new concept for you? write about this idea. what are the benefits of the pal-
liative approach? do you already follow some of these principles?

solidifying concepts
2a. identify two key changes in the way that people die differently now than they did 100 years ago.
i.
ii.
2b. considering the aging population and changes to the way people die, what are two challenges in pro-
viding care for dying people now?
i.
ii.

Explanation:

1.

For the first question, if the concept of early palliative care integration is new, one can explain that initially, they thought palliative care was for end - stage only. The benefits of palliative approach include improving quality of life (managing pain, symptoms), providing emotional support, and helping patients and families make informed decisions. Regarding following principles, if one has provided comfort - focused care or emotional support to ailing people, they can mention that.

i. A century ago, many deaths were from infectious diseases (like tuberculosis, influenza pandemics) and now, chronic diseases (like cancer, heart disease) are more common causes of death.
ii. In the past, most people died at home, but now a large number die in hospitals or care facilities.

i. With an aging population and more chronic diseases, there is a shortage of healthcare professionals trained in palliative care to meet the demand.
ii. The shift from home - based to institutional care means families may have less experience in caring for the dying, and there can be issues with coordinating care between different healthcare settings.

Answer:

(Example response) This idea is new to me. I used to think palliative care was only for the very end of life. The palliative approach benefits patients by managing pain and other symptoms, reducing anxiety, and helping families cope. I haven't followed these principles formally, but I have tried to be empathetic and provide comfort to sick friends, which has some overlap.

2a.