“Palliative Care, as defined by the Canadian peer-reviewed referenced resource The Pallium Palliative Pocketbook, is “a philosophy of care that aims to relieve suffering and improve the quality of living and dying in those patients diagnosed with progressive incurable illness,” (Pereira, 1-1). This includes addressing the physical, psychological, social and spiritual needs of both the patient and their family. “It involves optimizing living as fully as possible in the time remaining while preparing for dying,” (Pereira, 1-1). As this author explains, Palliative Care is not an exclusive entity but an approach that can complement treatment used to control disease such as chemotherapy, surgery, parental nutrition and tube feeds. This article will identify the areas of concern over parental nutrition and tube feeds, examining quality of life for the patient as well as the benefits and burdens of this treatment during the last stages of their illness.”
Author:
Shelley Jolly, RN, B.A. (Hon), B.S.N., CHPCN(C), is a Palliative Care Nurse Coordinator for the Royal University Hospital and the Saskatoon City Hospital in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Shelley has been a part of the Palliative Care Team in Saskatoon for 27 years, first as a nurse on the Palliative Care Unit at St. Paul’s Hospital and then as a Nurse Coordinator for Palliative Services.
Canadian Association of Medical and Surgical Nurses 