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| Definition of Palliative Care : |
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| Palliative care is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as “...an approach which improves the quality of life of patients and their families facing life-threatening illness, through the prevention, assessment and treatment of pain and other physical, psychosocial and spiritual problems”. |
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| Palliative care is generally underpinned by the following principles : |
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- A focus on quality of life, including good symptom control
- A whole person approach, taking into account the person's past and current situation
- Care that focuses on both the person with the illness and those that matter to the person
- A respect for patient autonomy and choice
- An emphasis on open and sensitive communication
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