Many studies have focused on the relationship between the assessment of patients and maintaining strong communication: Palliative Care Dissertation, TCD, Ireland

Many studies have focused on the relationship between the assessment of patients and maintaining strong communication. Analysis by Limbu et al (2021) concluded that in an acute hospital setting, nurses play a vital role in caring for patients nearing the end of their lives. In addition, nurses are also responsible for offering physical and emotional support, managing symptoms, and coordinating care with other members of the healthcare team.

As per Gonella et al (2019), the nurse’s assessment of the patient’s condition is crucial in deciding the appropriate level of care and interventions that are required. This assessment will help provide the patient with the necessary care, such as pain and symptom control medication, after having evaluated their physical and emotional needs.

However, many symptoms, including pain, exhaustion, and shortness of breath, are frequently experienced by patients who are nearing the end of their lives if the patient is in pain. For instance, the nurse may give medicine or employ other methods like distraction or relaxation to ease the pain. The findings of the nurse’s assessment of those symptoms are crucial to choosing what are the best interventions to manage the patient’s symptoms.

Considering this, researchers have become increasingly interested in the provision of emotional support. Ersek et al (2021) theorize that patients who are near death frequently go through a range of emotions, including fear, despair, and anxiety. The nurse will first assess the patient’s emotional condition, to help choose the best interventions for them. For instance, the nurse might offer guidance, support teams, or other types of emotional assistance.

Of equal importance, evaluating the patient is a critical component of end-of-life care. The patient’s needs, diagnosis, and care plan are all developed using the information gathered during the assessment process. However, Limbu et al (2021) argue that a crucial component of providing end-of-life care in an acute hospital setting is maintaining open lines of contact with patients.

To comprehend their needs and concerns and offer the necessary care for their patients. Good patient communication can ease confusion and anxiety while also enhancing the patient’s experience. Also, it enables the patient’s family to be informed about and involved in choices surrounding the patient’s care.

Several empirical studies have focused on nurses making it a point to periodically check in with patients and their families, listen attentively and sympathetically, and provide precise information about the patient’s health and treatment options. Lamppu et al (2021) states that the nurses must make sure that the patient and their family are aware of the objectives and results anticipated from their treatment. Making sure they are conscious of and sensitive to linguistic and cultural differences and ensuring that their communication with patients and their families is professional and simple to comprehend.

As per Olsson et al. (2021), strongly feels that nurses should maintain strong contact with other members of the healthcare team in addition to communicating with patients and families. This entails working with other members of the healthcare team, discussing the patient’s condition, treatment choices, and any changes in that condition with the doctor to provide complete care.

In conclusion, maintaining effective communication with patients and their families, and other members of the healthcare team is a crucial component of providing end-of-life care in an acute hospital setting. It contributes to ensuring that patients get appropriate care and that the patient and their families are informed about and engaged in decision-making regarding the patient’s care.