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Helme, Laura (2008) What is the Nature of Palliative Care for Patients Dying from Heart Failure on Acute Hospital Wards? A Critical Review. [Dissertation (University of Nottingham only)] (Unpublished)

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Abstract

A critical review was conducted with an aim to explore the nature of palliative care for patients dying from heart failure. A thorough search of healthcare databases, specific journals and relevant websites produced the literature that provided the basis for this review. All literature was critically appraised and categorised into chapter topics.

Key components of palliative care are providing pain relief, symptom control, holistic care and improving or maintaining a patient's quality of life (Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Last Acts Campaign 1997, Sepulveda et al 2002, WHO 2006, National Council for Palliative Care 2007a) and can be provided in all settings regardless of diagnosis. One of the biggest issues for patients was social isolation (Horne and Payne 2004, Murray et al 2004, Aldred et al 2005, Braanstrom et al 2006) brought on by an inability to manage symptoms. Healthcare professionals identify problems surrounding the management of symptoms and in recognising that a patient is dying. Dying trajectories can assist healthcare professionals in identifying patients that may be approaching death. The dying trajectory of heart failure consists of fluctuations in functional ability prior to death (Gibbs et al 2002, Lunney et al 2003, Murtagh et al 2004, Murray et al 2005 and Gott et al 2007) and periods of acute exacerbation that may result in hospitalisation (Murray et al 2005).

These themes and their interactions form the basis for a model that illustrates the nature of palliative care for patients dying from heart failure on acute wards. The model stresses the importance of communication between the patient, their family and the healthcare professionals involved, and illustrates how different components of the palliative care experience impact on and interact with each other.

A gap in the current literature was also identified and further research into the experience of providing palliative care for patients dying from heart failure on medical wards in the UK is proposed.

Item Type:	Dissertation (University of Nottingham only)
Keywords:	MNursSci, Master of Nursing Science, Critical Review, Palliative Care
Depositing User:	EP, Services
Date Deposited:	03 Dec 2008
Last Modified:	05 Feb 2018 00:00
URI:	https://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/id/eprint/22538

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