Whole-Person Assessment of the Patient

Abstract

Comprehensive assessment provides the foundation for enhancing the quality of life of a seriously ill patient, forms the basis of care, and helps in the coordination of care across disciplines. A whole-person assessment in palliative care extends beyond basic patient evaluation by recognizing the unique needs of patients who face serious illness and the needs of their family members. It provides additional information on symptoms and physical and psychological concerns often present in advanced disease and assists in the evaluation of social factors such as family caregiver needs and the assessment of spirituality, which is recognized as an important aspect of patient and family support in serious illness.