End of life and life after death - issues to be addressed

Abstract

Being an Oncologist, I have seen many patients suffering from cancer. It pains a lot looking at them fighting the battle of life, though knowing that they would lose miserably and surrender meekly as majority of the patients report to the hospital at an advanced stage of disease and only palliative care may be the option. There is an urgent need to create - Cancer Awareness in the villages and also about the end of life care in all terminally ill patients. 20 patients in the terminal phase were questioned regarding end of life care. The common questions they asked are, why has God punished me like this? Why me on earth? Should I die so early? Why should I leave my near and dear ones and go far away, from the point of no return? Do I ever see them again? With deep sorrow and sigh, they suffer till the last breath, having the feeling of insecurity as what would happen to their dear ones. In the terminal phase, the patients wishes must be respected and their needs must be fulfilled. The health care professionals should plan an appropriate care for each patient. Most of them feel that the best place to be in end of life is the home. Research has shown that Hospice care may improve the quality of life of a patient who is dying and of the patient's family. Communication about end of life care and decision making during the final moments of a person's life are very important. The patients suffering are mainly due to the physical, psychological, social and spiritual issues. Death of a terminally ill patient should never be a sudden loss. All healthcare professionals, Social workers and Non-Governmental Organisations must install the life after death of the person, who has struggled for every breath and assure that he/she shall rest in peace and shall smile seeing their near and dear ones living with dignity and pride in the society. Ultimately, the patient must have dignity in dying.

Patient Home Visits: Measuring Outcomes of a Community Model for Palliative Care Education

“…Population studies have indicated that most people would prefer to die at home. [16][17][18][19][20][21] End-of-life care at home requires a considerable amount of time from a community-based primary care team. The role of the primary care teams is to manage symptoms, provide education, coordinate care, and provide additional or enhanced support and care.…”

Residents in a Remote Island Having Family Members in Distant Areas Showed Higher Preference for Place of End-of-Life Care: The Ajishima Study

“…Every individual has the right to end life with dignity (1) . This can be maintained when one’s preferences toward end of life are fulfilled (2) , (3) . Among these preferences, place for end-of-life care had become a major issue especially in ageing societies (4) , (5) , (6) .…”