Appropriate palliative care: when does it begin?
The transition between a curative and a palliative approach to the care of a patient with cancer may be filled with uncertainty for patients, their families and health care professionals. A conventional model of treating the patient with cancer through curative, palliative and terminal phases is examined. The boundaries between the phases of care are blurred. A model of care based on respect for patient autonomy ensures that the timing of the switch from curative to palliative care is appropriate.
Jeffrey
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D006801:Humans; D016294:Models, Nursing; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000451:nursing*; D010166:Palliative Care; D010344:Patient Advocacy; D013727:Terminal Care / Q000379:methods*