Authors (including presenting author) :
Lai KM(1), Leung WY(1), Wong WT(1), Siu ML(1), Leung YL(1), Yeung E(2)
Affiliation :
(1)Palliative Care Unit, Department of Medicine and Geriatrics, Ruttonjee & Tang Shiu Kin Hospitals
(2)HKEC Nurse Consultant, Palliative Care
Introduction :
Currently, spiritual care in palliative care is largely needs-based. Needs-based spiritual care begins with assessment. Most of assessment mention about personal meaning, value or religion. Nevertheless, most of valid spiritual assessment tools do not include deathbed phenomena(DBP) or transcendence experience of the patients. Spiritual experience of DBP of dying patient is often overlooked. Many spiritual experiences of DBP are unnoticed by health care providers who are not sensitive to them. But powerful or realistic dreams are often experienced by people who were dying. People with no religious beliefs also experience transcendent visions, which were understood to be signs that death was imminent.
Objectives :
(1) Enrich the knowledge, skill and increase the awareness of nursing staff in Palliative Care Unit for handling of patient with DBP
(2) Palliative care patients who can in an open and support environment to communicable or reported for experienced of deathbed phenomena
(3) DBP positively affect patients and their relatives
Methodology :
Find the best evidence and can be from appraise the research finding, system review, meta-analyses, case series or report and clinical expert. Consequenetly total 12 research studies were found. Based on teh data and information of the studies, established appropriate clinical responses and nursing interventions to patients who report DPB. Accordingly, training proceed with nursing staff and sharing talk provided for palliative care volunteer.
Result & Outcome :
Total seven patients who experienced of DBP, they have been facilitated to ventilate and communicate with staff openly. Moreover, referrals had been made to multidisciplinary team members by nurses' screening and aimed at further special support. As a result, patients developed a new spiritual identity and mentional a change in attitude to their illness, death and dying. Both of patients and relatives showed acceptance and anxiety level diminshed.
It was vital for health car professionals to accept the spiritual significance of transcendental phenomena. Despite a lack of knowledge around transcendence experiences and a general reluctance to disclose or discuss them, they were found to have a "profound personal meaning for those who experience them".
Health care preofessionals can generate the fomation of a trusting and respectful relationship, helping patients to feel valued. It is vital that health care professionals support patients and family members who disclose such incidents, which must be regarded as valid and normal part of the dying process. Discuss transcendence phenomena was effective in facilitating discussion around the dying process and preparing patients for death. Help caregivers to connect and appreciate the most meaningful moments/ people with patients in their lives.
