| Popis: |
For patients at the end of life, the oncologist's care continues beyond the cessation of disease-directed therapy. When cure or even prolongation of life is no longer possible, oncologists have one last task remaining: to provide expert care to patients at the end of life and support for their families. Physical comfort, clear communication, emotional support, helping patients maintain a sense of purpose, clarifying wishes about attempts at resuscitation, working on legacies, addressing patient distress, and helping families as they struggle with their loss are all the work of a team of clinicians, led by the oncologist, who the patient and family continue to look to as their guide, even when no further antineoplastic therapies or immunotherapies can be offered. The team often includes the rest of the oncology team of clinicians, as well as social workers, chaplains, a palliative care clinician, and, when appropriate, a hospice team. Families with young children need specialized counseling and support. Ongoing losses (in identity or function or of roles in the family, community, or workplace) contribute to spiritual and existential distress. The palliative care and hospice teams can help with life reviews and reconnection with sources of spiritual support, including religious rituals, to help reaffirm identity and roles. The oncologist's final responsibility is ongoing communication with the survivors after the patient's death. Survivors appreciate ongoing communication, cards, and phone calls to answer any remaining questions and quell any lingering doubts. These communications also bring closure to the oncologist and oncology team, allowing them to reflect on and grieve their loss and to remember the work they did with the patient and his or her family. |
