Question

integrating into practice

1. working in small groups, consider figure 7 on page 17 in the text. using toms experience—a stuttering decline on page 6, identify principles of palliative care that are used in the story, or that could have been used in this story as part of integrating a palliative approach for tom and his family from the time of diagnosis to the end of bereavement.
2. at work or during your practicum, talk with a member of the team and ask who helps to integrate a palliative approach in the care setting, and how to access a specialty palliative care provider when the team is unable to manage the persons symptoms.
3. in the larger group, consider the barriers to accessing and receiving palliative care (page 14 in the text) and discuss whether these barriers exist in your community. if time permits, brainstorm ideas for improving access to palliative care.

Explanation:

Palliative care principles focus on improving quality - of - life for patients with serious illnesses and their families. From diagnosis to bereavement, it includes managing symptoms, providing psychological and spiritual support. Barriers to palliative care access can be financial, lack of awareness, or systemic issues. Talking to team members helps understand integration and access to specialty providers.

Answer:

For question 12: Principles may include holistic care (addressing physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs), patient - centered care (tailoring care to Tom's and family's wishes), and early integration of palliative care.
For question 13: Team members such as case managers, social workers, or advanced practice nurses may help integrate palliative approach. Access to specialty providers may be through referrals, hospital networks, or community resources.
For question 14: Barriers could be high cost, lack of insurance coverage, limited provider availability. Ideas for improvement could be community education, policy changes to increase insurance coverage, and expanding provider training.