Psychologists in Palliative Care

Key challenges include decision-making under pressure, managing emotions related to mortality and fear, and navigating relationship dynamics with family and healthcare providers.

The journey is highly individualized and does not follow a fixed sequence of emotional stages, allowing for varying experiences of meaning, dignity, and peace.

The grieving process is continuous, non-linear, and includes complex emotions; psychological support should help individuals navigate their feelings without rushing or suppressing them.

<p>Psychologists provide humanistic support, helping individuals and families find meaning, dignity, and connection during vulnerable moments.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Dr. Shead suggests that discussions about death ultimately reflect a conversation about how individuals want to live their remaining lives.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The primary focus of palliative care is to address the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs of patients facing serious illness, rather than solely aiming for healing.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Serious illnesses can cause anxiety, depression, and fear of the unknown as patients confront their mortality and the changes brought about by their condition.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Psychologists assist in managing anxiety and depression, processing trauma, navigating grief, and making meaningful decisions about care and end-of-life choices.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Dignity Therapy is a specialized intervention that helps patients document their life stories and legacies, providing a sense of meaning and closure.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy focuses on helping patients find purpose and meaning in their lives, especially in the context of serious illness.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Pain in palliative care is often emotional, spiritual, and existential, in addition to being physical.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>They teach relaxation techniques, provide psychoeducation on the mind-body connection, and train patients in effective communication.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Abbreviated trauma interventions are quick yet effective therapies designed to provide immediate relief from psychological distress in palliative care patients.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Challenges include underfunded healthcare systems, limited specialized training opportunities, and being involved in a small percentage of palliative care cases.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Addressing existential fears is crucial as it helps patients cope with their impending mortality and aids in achieving peace during their final phase of life.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>He describes it as the 'nexus of so many important psychological issues', encompassing identity, relationships, and the search for meaning.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>They help patients navigate complex family dynamics and offer psychological support, promoting living fully until death.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Key topics include housing preferences, medical care wishes, financial planning, and post-life arrangements.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>He emphasizes that life is unpredictable, making it essential for everyone, not just older adults, to engage in these conversations.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Patients can advocate by effectively communicating their needs and wishes regarding medical treatment and personal care.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>She suggests that working in this field teaches the importance of embracing life fully until the end.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Relationship dynamics with healthcare providers</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>It includes both complex and negative emotions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>To provide humanistic support</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>It encompasses a fixed sequence of stages for everyone.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>How to make the most of the time left to live</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Teaching relaxation techniques</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Underfunded healthcare systems</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Supporting patients with identity and meaning</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>It connects the mind and body.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Financial planning documentation</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Embracing living fully until death</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Future job aspirations</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Training in effective communication</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>They assist in managing psychological distress and support emotional processing</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>It focuses on documenting life stories to provide meaning and closure</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Anxiety, grief, and existential fear</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>They are specialized and catered to the unique needs of patients</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>They are quick and effective for immediate relief</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>To aid patients in finding purpose and meaning in their lives</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Emotional, spiritual, and existential pain alongside physical discomfort</p> Signup and view all the answers