Introduction
End of life care refers to the support and medical care given to individuals in the final phase of a terminal illness, when the focus shifts from curative treatment to comfort, dignity, and quality of life. This type of care addresses not only physical symptoms such as pain and breathlessness but also emotional, psychological, social, and spiritual needs. It is typically provided in various settings, including hospitals, hospices, care homes, and people’s own homes, and involves a multidisciplinary approach that includes doctors, nurses, social workers, and chaplains. End of life care is important because it ensures that individuals can live as well as possible until death and die with dignity, while also supporting families and caregivers through a profoundly difficult time.
The health and wellbeing risks associated with inadequate end of life care include unmanaged pain, emotional distress, and a diminished sense of dignity for the patient. Families may also experience prolonged grief, trauma, and caregiver burnout if proper support is not provided. From a societal perspective, the costs of poor end of life care can be significant. These include increased hospital admissions, unnecessary medical interventions, and prolonged use of intensive care services, all of which place a heavy financial burden on healthcare systems. Conversely, well-coordinated palliative care can reduce these costs by minimizing hospital stays and focusing on patient-centred care. Investing in quality end of life care not only improves individual and family experiences but also contributes to more sustainable and compassionate healthcare systems.
Other JSNA topics this topic closely linked to:
- Dementia
- Emergency Hospital Admissions
- Falls
- Housing
- Mental Health
- Poverty