The palliative care programme for late-stage patients is focused on palliative care, improving the quality of life and psychosocial support. The goal of treatment is to alleviate suffering, not to cure disease. 1. Pain management: the use of drugs and non-pharmaceutical methods to control pain, including the use of painkillers such as opioids. The doctor will develop a personalized pain management plan based on the specific level and type of pain. In addition to drug treatment, substitution therapy such as physiotherapy, massage and acupuncture may also be included in treatment programmes to assist patients in more comprehensive pain relief. Symptoms control: Treatment of other symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, respiratory difficulties, etc., in the case of patients. For example, for patients with respiratory difficulties, doctors may provide oxygen therapy or use respiratory aids. For nausea and vomiting, anti-vomit drugs may be used and dietary habits may be adjusted to alleviate symptoms. 3. Psychological support: psychological counselling and emotional support for patients and their families to help them cope with the stress of the disease. Psychologists help patients deal with emotional problems such as anxiety and depression through one-on-one counselling. Support groups and family therapy are also encouraged so that patients and families can share experiences and support each other. 4. Social support: assisting patients with social and economic problems, such as providing the necessary resources and assistance in cooperation with social services institutions. This may include helping patients to apply for social benefits, arranging transportation and accommodation, and providing services such as legal advice. 5. Mental care: respect for the beliefs and values of the patients and the provision of spiritual comfort and religious support. Religious leaders or spiritual advisers may visit patients on a regular basis for prayer, reading or spiritual guidance. End-of-life care, on the other hand, is more focused on providing comprehensive care to patients and ensuring their dignity and tranquillity in the final stages of life.
Second to terminal care services, which usually include: 1. Home-based care: Home-based care services that allow patients to spend the final stages of their lives in as familiar an environment as possible. Specialized nursing staff regularly visit the home to provide patients with medical care, personal hygiene care and daily living care. 2. Inpatient care: Comprehensive medical and nursing services in hospitals or specialized terminal care facilities. These institutions usually provide a comfortable living environment where patients can enjoy peace and tranquillity while receiving professional care. 3. Volunteer service: provide volunteer escorts, help patients and their families with day-to-day affairs and reduce their burden. Volunteers may accompany patients in chatting, reading or other meaningful activities that bring joy and comfort to the patients. 4. Deceased relatives ‘ support: provision of support and psychological support to families to help them cope with the loss of loved ones. Counselling services may include individual counselling, support group meetings and even specially designed counselling projects for children and adolescents. Cultural and religious care: respect for and satisfaction of the cultural and religious needs of patients, and provision of appropriate ceremonies and activities. For example, religious ceremonies are arranged for patients with specific religious beliefs or specific food and decorations are provided in accordance with cultural practices. A comprehensive consideration of the patient ‘ s physical condition, psychological needs, family environment and social resources is required in the development of the palliative care programme and the terminal care programme to ensure that the patient receives comprehensive care and support. Multidisciplinary team members such as doctors, nurses, social workers, therapists and religious leaders will work closely together to provide a caring environment for patients with compassion and understanding.
