Caring doesn't end.
Despite the advances in healthcare technology and the new treatment regimens, all patients are not eligible for these treatments. Although some providers might indicate that there is nothing more that they can do, other healthcare providers do not give up on their patients and families. They continue to provide care, regardless of whether treatment options have been exhausted, and help these patients to have a "good death." The purpose of this article is to use two case examples to show how caring does not end but is rather transformed when intensive treatment ends. There is a discussion of the development of the hospice movement, upholding dignity and respect, and continuing to care. Recommendations for action that inform nursing practice are identified.
Erlen
Judith A
JA
School of Nursing, Center for Bioethics and Health Law, University of Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003142:Communication; D004645:Empathy; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D018447:Medical Futility; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations; D011014:Pneumonia / Q000451:nursing; D012657:Self-Help Groups; D020521:Stroke / Q000451:nursing; D017741:Survivors / Q000523:psychology; D013727:Terminal Care / Q000379:methods* / Q000523:psychology*