Discussion Board 11
End of life and palliative care Emma
1. Discuss when palliative care began for Emma.
“The World Health Organization (WHO) defines palliative care as an approach to care
that improves the quality of life of patients and their families facing the problem
associated with life-threatening illness, through the prevention and relief of suffering by
means of early identification and treatment of pain and relief of suffering by means of
early identification and treatment of pain and other problems, physical, psychosocial and
spiritual. It begins when illness, and continues regardless of whether or not a child
receives treatment directed at the disease” (Pediatric palliative care, 1999-2021)
For Emma palliative care began when the consult was received. Staff prepared
themselves on how they were going to meet with the family. The palliative team thought
about the family first and their feelings. The palliative care teamed planned everything
out first. Palliative care started at the time when Emma was diagnosed and noted to not
be able to breath on her own.
2. When did it change to end of life care?
The end of life care started when Emma parents asked if the ventilator can be
discontinued in the garden. They met with the team to discuss what to expect and how
they will make sure Emma was comfortable. The team was very patient, and they made
sure Emma’s parents knew every detail about Emma’s end of life care and what to
expect.
3. Discuss the six qualities of palliative care and how this team met each of those qualities.