Palliative medicine

Palliative care medicine is the art and science of caring for patients at the end of life. It crosses the entire lifespan and range of pathological conditions leading up to death. This field of medicine is practiced by both general and specialist physicians and surgeons, who generally undertake this advanced training after qualification in another area of medicine.

This course contains five modules:

Module 1 - An introduction to the end of life care.

• The diagnosis of the end of life.
• Patient expectations about the end of life.
• The role of the clinician at the end of life.
• Caring for the family.
• The limits of care at the end of life.

Module 2 - Administration and general issues.

• Ethical and legal considerations.
• Advanced directives.
• Do not resuscitate orders.
• Hospice and other palliative care options.
• Cultural issues.

Module 3 - The management of pain and other common symptoms.

• Pain at the end of life.
• Dyspnea
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Constipation.
• Delirium and agitation (terminal restlessness).

Module 4 - Other patient care issues.

• Nutrition and hydration.
• The withdrawal of curative efforts.
• Psychological, social, and spiritual issues.

Module 5 - Tasks after death.

• The pronouncement and paperwork.
• Autopsy and organ donation.
• Following up with the family.

School:Medicine