Endoflife care IAPC TOGETHER WE CHOOSE 2014 ISCCM

End-of-life care IAPC | TOGETHER WE CHOOSE 2014 | ISCCM

This is how we look at life. We expect it to just go on and on. IAPC | TOGETHER WE CHOOSE 2014 | ISCCM

But… what if there is a chronic disease? IAPC | TOGETHER WE CHOOSE 2014 | ISCCM

Fortunately, medicine today can help us recover and keep us comfortable. IAPC | TOGETHER WE CHOOSE 2014 | ISCCM

However, at times medicine cannot stop the progress of the disease. IAPC | TOGETHER WE CHOOSE 2014 | ISCCM

What! Are you serious? How long do I have? When the doctor indicates the end is near, the patient finds it difficult to believe … IAPC | TOGETHER WE CHOOSE 2014 | ISCCM What will happen to my family?

There is nothing you can do? Are you sure? What do we do? … so does the family. IAPC | TOGETHER WE CHOOSE 2014 | ISCCM

Will the doctor have time to talk to us? Is it rude to ask the doctor? What if my question is silly? The patient and the family must feel free to share their fears and concerns with the doctor. IAPC | TOGETHER WE CHOOSE 2014 | ISCCM The doctor knows best, so why ask?

This is the time for some honest communication, the time to take some decisions together. IAPC | TOGETHER WE CHOOSE 2014 | ISCCM

No pain, no distress to the patient at any time. Always respect the patient’s dignity, likes and the right to make decisions. Allow the patient to express preferences about end-of-life care. IAPC | TOGETHER WE CHOOSE 2014 | ISCCM

No life support for me please Tell my friend I forgive him. I want to die at home. I want my wife near me when I die. It is important to honour the patient’s wishes. IAPC | TOGETHER WE CHOOSE 2014 | ISCCM I want the priest to help me pray.

Apart from comfort care, endof-life care provides psychological, spiritual and social support. IAPC | TOGETHER WE CHOOSE 2014 | ISCCM

Life eventually ends, but end-of-life care does not. IAPC | TOGETHER WE CHOOSE 2014 | ISCCM

Bereavement support helps the family cope and start afresh. IAPC | TOGETHER WE CHOOSE 2014 | ISCCM

End-of-life care is about never stopping to care, even when we cannot cure. IAPC | TOGETHER WE CHOOSE 2014 | ISCCM

The care with which we treat the dying affirms that our humanity is living. IAPC | TOGETHER WE CHOOSE 2014 | ISCCM

Together we choose IAPC | TOGETHER WE CHOOSE 2014 | ISCCM

For more information, please contact palliativecare. india@gmail. com isccm 1@gmail. com Read the Joint Position Statement and Guidelines. Sign and support the campaign. IAPC | TOGETHER WE CHOOSE 2014 | ISCCM

Together we choose