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.

• The palliative care unit at Hvidovre hospital focuses on relief, not cure, for terminally ill patients.
• Staff helps patients and families with physical symptoms, as well as emotional and existential suffering ("total pain").
• Many patients initially considering assisted dying reconsider after receiving comprehensive palliative support.
• Healthcare professionals in palliative care prioritize listening and talking to patients about death and their wishes, unlike some other areas of the healthcare system.
• Key themes for dying patients to address: "Forgive me, I forgive you, and I love you."
• Creating a calm, supportive atmosphere is a contrast to other busier hospital departments.
• Palliative care extends support to relatives, helping them process grief and say goodbye.
• Patients find appreciation for small comforts and moments, like good coffee, music, or sunlight.
• Delirium and hallucinations are common experiences for dying patients, requiring specific compassionate care.
• Palliative sedation is sometimes used to relieve intractable pain and distress, with the potential side effect of loss of consciousness and shortened life.
• Preparing patients and families for death is crucial to avoid chaotic "blue-light deaths."
• Saying goodbye to loved ones and finding peace are important aspects of end-of-life care.
• Hospice care offers a supportive environment for some patients nearing the end of life.