Professional Preparation for End-of-Life Care
Scientific and clinical knowledge and skills, including:
· Learning the biological mechanisms of dying from major illnesses and injuries
· Understanding the pathophysiology of pain and other physical and emotional symptoms
· Developing appropriate expertise and skill in the pharmacology of symptom management
· Acquiring appropriate knowledge and skill in nonpharmacological symptom management
· Learning the proper application and limits of life- prolonging interventions
· Understanding tools for assessing patient symptoms, status, quality of life, and prognosis
Interpersonal skills and attitudes, including:
· Listening to patients, families, and other members of the health care team
· Conveying difficult news
· Understanding and managing patient/family response to illness
· Providing information/guidance on prognosis/options
· Sharing decision making/resolving conflicts
· Recognizing and understanding one's own feelings about dying and death
· Cultivating empathy
· Developing sensitivity to religious, ethnic, and other differences
Ethical and professional principles, including:
· Doing good and avoiding harm
· Determining/respecting patient/family preferences
· Being alert to personal and organizational conflicts of interests
· Understanding societal and population interests and resources
· Weighing competing objectives or principles
· Acting as a role model of clinical proficiency, integrity, and compassion
Organizational skills, including:
· Developing and sustaining effective professional teamwork
· Understanding relevant rules/procedures set by health plans, hospitals, and others
· Learning how to protect patients from harmful rules and procedures
· Assessing and managing care options, settings, and transitions
· Mobilizing supportive resources, such as palliative care consultants and community-based assistance
· Making effective use of existing financial resources and cultivating new funding sources
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