The Lewis County Hospice “team” is composed of several members with varying roles and qualifications. Members of the team include LPN’s, RN’s, physicians, chaplains, and social workers. Each has a unique role in providing and ensuring comfortable end of life care for both the patients and families. While the nurses and physicians focus on providing physical care by distributing medications, gaging the comfort level of the patient, and monitoring vitals, the social workers and chaplains play an essential role in the emotional, psychological, and spiritual care of both the patients and their families. Together, these individuals provide incredibly comprehensive care and make the last weeks of a patients life as comfortable as it can be. In the future, I would love to be part of such a team as a physician because I believe that such comprehensive and compassionate care during such a sensitive time can only be accomplished by working as a team.
Kathryn,
ReplyDeleteI agree with your assessment that this is a very comprehensive model of health care. I especially like the integration of the emotional, psychological and spiritual care. This mental health component is just as important as the patient's physical health and can often times affect the physical health. This truly is a sensitive time and requires the most compassionate and empathetic individuals
It is amazing to see so many different people come together in a critical time like this in someone's life. I think this sounds like a fantastic program that would be rewarding to be a part of. I like that you pointed out specifically how each member of the team contributes to the patient's well being at the end of their life. It is certainly encouraging to see such a comprehensive team for this.
ReplyDeleteHospice is such a sensitive and important healthcare service. I agree that this care is best given by a cohesive well functioning team. The role of all of its members are equally important in the Hospice process. I think that is the best part about hospice too, it focuses on the emotional and psychological part and not just the physical part of the illness.
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