Palliative Care: Relief, Not Cure for Dying Patients

Hvidovre Hospital's palliative care unit provides comfort and support for terminally ill patients, addressing physical, emotional, and existential pain, facilitating goodbyes, and offering compassionate care for a peaceful end of life.

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Palliative care addresses "total pain" beyond the physical: The text emphasizes that palliative care goes beyond managing physical symptoms like pain and nausea. It also aims to alleviate existential suffering, anxiety, and the emotional pain of patients and their families facing death. This holistic approach highlights the complexity of end-of-life care.
Palliative care helps some patients let go of assisted dying thoughts: Dr. Randén notes that some patients initially considering assisted dying change their minds with proper support and palliative care. This suggests that addressing the underlying reasons for wanting to end one's life, such as pain and emotional distress, can improve quality of life during terminal illness.
The importance of open communication about death: The article highlights the importance of open communication about death between doctors, patients, and their families. Dr. Randén emphasizes that many doctors avoid discussing death, which can leave patients unprepared. He identifies forgiveness, love, and gratitude as key sentiments patients may need to express.
Personalized care and small details make a big difference: The story showcases how small gestures, like the welcome sign outside René's room, nurses holding a patient's hand, or a doctor simply listening, can significantly impact patients' well-being. These details illustrate the importance of empathy and individualized attention in palliative care.
Death is a unique and individual experience: The article illustrates the death journeys of René, Niels, and Liv -- highlighting the different emotional, spiritual, and physical requirements for each unique individual.