Overview of Palliative Care

Dr. Muinga

Palliative CarePalliative Care Palliative Care is an approach that improves the

Quality of Life Quality of Life of Patients and their Families facing the problems associated with life-threatening illness, through the Prevention and Relief of Suffering by means of early identification and impeccable Assessment and Treatment of Pain and other problems, Physical, Psychosocial and Spiritual.

Revised 2002. Sepulveda et al. JPSM 2002; 24: 91-96

PALLIATIVE CARE Its origin is in the Latin word pallium, meaning a

cloak. It means to mitigate the sufferings of the patient, not to necessarily effect cure.

HOSPICE: Is a philosophy of care to meet the gap for those seriously ill or dying• Was researched fully by Dame Cicely Saunders and commenced in modern sense in 1967.• Incorporates pain and symptom relief allowing the patient to die with dignity

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From a traditional towards a new care model: From cure towards Care

Curative treatment Palliative Care

Old concept

Death

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R

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A

T

M

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TCurative

treatmentPalliative Care

Lynn and Adamson, 2003

New Care concept

Post Care

Time

Terminal Care

Essential components of palliative care

• Pain and Symptom control • Effective communication• Rehabilitation• Continuity of care• Breaking bad news• Psychosocial care • Spiritual care • Social care • End of life care• Support in bereavement• Education• Research

2013-2014?

• Inclusion of pharmacists in palliative care training

• Involving 30 level 4 hospitals in palliative care training so as to make the services accessible to patients.

• Provision of oral morphine through KEMSA.• Inclusion of palliative care in undergraduate

training• PFHI

Nakuru Hospice

Kakamega Hospice

Embu-Mberee Hospice

Finally• "You matter because you are

you. You matter to the last moment of your life, and we will do all we can, not only to help you die peacefully, but also to live until you die." ~ (Dame Cicely Saunders)_

Thank you!