Dealing with the psychosocial and spiritual aspects in palliative care

Abstract

Background: Palliative care is the provision of end of life care to the patient with a terminal disease; its primary focus is on improving the quality of life rather than quantity of life.  While palliative care emphasizes over physical body pain reduction, it also suggests psychological comfort and spiritual wellbeing. Several research studies corroborate that interventions are done to keep the patient mentally relaxed greatly affects the patient's bodily functions and reduces the sensation of pain. Case Presentation: In this case, the physical attributes were excellently managed but neglect was done in terms of mental and spiritual need that was evident through her verbalization of hopelessness and fear, that the disease condition is a severe punishment by God. In addition, the patient was less likely to socialize with people including friends and family. Therefore, this case has been investigated in light of multiple recent articles (2010-2015) and pointed out the evidenced-based practices that need to be done to provide care emphasizing holistic approach in order to enhance comfort to the terminally sick patients.  Management & Results: It was observed that the health care providers were only concerned for the physical problems and they provided care focusing only physiological component whereas the psychological and spiritual determinants of health were greatly neglected as such that they were not included in the plan of care of the patient.  Conclusion: Palliative care involves not just physiological, but also psychological and spiritual care. Based on the findings of the case study, caregivers must consider psychological and spiritual aspects of care in order to provide holistic as well as peaceful end of life care.