End-of-Life Inpatient Palliative Care for Glioblastoma Multiforme: Lessons Learned from One Case

Abstract

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common malignant primary brain tumor with a poor prognosis and limited survival. Patients with GBM have a high demand for palliative care. In our present case, a 21-year-old female GBM patient received inpatient palliative care services including symptom management, mental and psychological support for the patient, psychosocial and clinical decision support for her family members, and pre- and post-death bereavement management for the family. Furthermore, we provided the family members with comprehensive psychological preparation for the patient's demise and assisted the patient's family throughout the mourning period. The aim of this study is to provide a reference and insights for the clinical implementation of palliative care for patients with malignant brain tumors.