Sunday, June 21, 2020

total pain

Q: What are the frameworks of 'total pain'  and 'pathological grieving' at the end of life care?

Answer:  Dame Cicely Saunders, an English nurse is considered as the founder of modern hospice. She is known for introducing two major frameworks in palliative care. 

One is "total pain." This is pertinent to patients. It refers to the complex mechanisms and manifestations of suffering, including its physical, emotional, socioeconomic, and spiritual components. 

Second is "pathological grieving", after her three loved ones including her father died in a very short period of time. This is pertinent to patients' friends and family. It refers to the disabling grieving after a loved one's death and may require intervention.

#palliative care


References:

1. Saunders C. The depths and the possible heights. Medical News July 10, 1964. p.16.

2. Gort G. Pathological grief: causes, recognition, and treatment. Can Fam Physician. 1984;30:914‐924.

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