Application of Peaceful End of Life Theory in caring for patient with the end stage cancer: A case study

Abstract

          Cancer is a major public health problem in the world including Thailand. Cancer statistics of new cases and deaths tend to be high . When cancer symptoms develop more severe, cancer patients may elicit hopelessness and to become an end stage cancer. Patients with end stage cancer have faced extreme physical and mental suffering until they die. Therefore, palliative care for patient with an end stage cancer is definitely needed from an initial stage of diagnosis until death. This also includes family care after the passing of patients which cover physical, mental, social, and spiritual problems. The main goal of caring is to provide good quality of life for patients during the rest of time without causing pain and suffering and to help them die peacefully with human dignity. In palliative care, it is prominently important to apply nursing theory as a guideline in caring for a patient with an end stage cancer. Thus, the aim of this academic article is to demonstrate an application of peaceful end of life theory in applying for patients with an end stage cancer which cover all five areas based upon the theory including not being in pain, the experience of comfort, the experience of dignity, staying calm, and being close to relatives and loved ones. The case study was patient with the end stage cancer. The patient had faced extreme physical and mental suffering from diseases. The results of caring was provided to good quality of life for patient during the rest of time reduce causing pain and suffering and to help pataint die peacefully with human dignity.