Module Introduction

This course is intended to provide nurses an understanding of end-of-life care, with emphasis on addressing the patient's spiritual and emotional care, and overall pain relief.

Key communication issues that are particularly important to dying patients and their loved ones are covered. These issues include barriers in care, importance of cultural diversity and advance directives. The course also touches on ethical dilemmas and legal issues surrounding end-of-life care, including medical futility, physician-assisted suicide and euthanasia.

To complete this course, you must do the following:

1. Read the Overview and Course Objectives.
2. Study the Terminology.
3. Read the course material.
4. Complete the Learning Activity.
5. Complete the Post Test with a score of 80% or more.

OVERVIEW

The material is organized around the following categories:

• Introduction
• Physical and Emotional Challenges at the End of Life
• Palliative Care
• Relieving Pain and Suffering
• Informed Consent and Decision Making
• Advance Directives
• Right to Privacy
• The Role of Cultural Diversity in Dying
• Euthanasia and Physician-Assisted Suicide
• Conclusion

PURPOSE/OVERALL GOAL

The purpose of this program is to provide nurses with an understanding of the issues surrounding end-of-life care, including assessment and management of the patient's pain, fear, anxiety and depression. Information regarding advance directives is included as well as how cultural and ethnic diversity may affect advance directives and death-related traditions.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

After completing this course, the learner should be able to:

• List and discuss end-of-life issues and the steps care providers should take regarding each.
• Discuss the importance of advance directives.
• Understand ways in which care providers can discuss advance directives with patients.
• Understand the importance of providing prevention and management of a patient's pain, even at the end of that patient's life.
• Discuss ways in which cultural/ethnic beliefs can affect advance directives and end-of-life care.
• Discuss the importance of providing end-of-life patients with appropriate social/psychological support.

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