The Team Approach to the Dying Patient and the Role of Hospice(Care of the Dying)

Abstract

O__-rganized C__-are of the D__-ying Patient (OCDP) is a team approach to the dying patient. Physicians, nurses, social workers, paramedical staff and pastors make one team to take care of the many needs of the dying patient (physical, psychological, social, and spiritual needs). The functions of OCDP are as folloews : 1. The organized evaluation of the patient's psychological state 2. The approach to the family 3. To help the attending physician 4. Mutual help among team members 5. Carrying out the agreed upon plan of action 6. To encourage each one to carry out his own job.7. The organized evaluation of the conditions of the patient and the family Hospice exists for the terminally ill and their families. It is a comprehensive health care program designed to meet their special needs. Its aim is to allow patients to live out their days as fully and comfortably as possible.The hospice program includes sophistivated medical and nursing care, employing new drug therapy and other methods to control pain, nausea, loss of appetite-debilities that deprive patients of strength, will and even human dignity.Hospice considers the basic care unit to be the patient and the patient's family. It serves both Hospice ministers to their emotional, social and spiritual needs. (quoted from annual report of The Connecticut Hospice).