… based on the strength of a present reality. “Engendering hope is important, because it helps the patient to confront the uncertain future.” Kylma et. al. summarize hope engendering interventions … affirmation of patient’s worth, working with the patient, considering the patient in a holistic sense, nurse’s reflection in action. Affirmation of the patient’s worth […]
hope … certainty in the future … Read More »
… into grace. God, “rich in mercy” (Eph 2:4), like the father in the Gospel parable (cf. Lk 15:11-32), does not close his heart to any of his children, but waits for them, looks for them, reaches them where their rejection of communion imprisons them in isolation and division, and calls them to gather around
suffering transformed … Read More »
… count more than words in helping a sick person. [F]aith in what? In the love of God. This is the true response that can radically defeat evil. As Jesus confronted the evil one with the force of love that came to him from the Father, so we too can confront and win out in
serene and sincere nearness … Read More »
… as we have noted before, there is mounting evidence that we need to move away from just “throwing more opioids” at patients with chronic non-malignant pain syndromes … as well as those with multidimensional pain. Some resources … Alberta Hospice Palliative Care Manual (see esp. pp. 12 ff. multidimensional pain) … McBeth’s recent article
chronic pain management … Read More »
… the Parliamentary Council of Europe has affirmed that “Euthanasia, in the sense of the intentional killing by act or omission of a dependent human being for his or her alleged benefit, must always be prohibited.” Bioedge discusses
protecting human dignity … Read More »
… two aspects of communication which need to be kept in balance, to alternate and to be integrated with one another if authentic dialogue and deep closeness between people are to be achieved. When word and silence become mutually exclusive, communication breaks down, either because it gives rise to confusion or because, on the contrary,
the relationship between silence and word … Read More »
The Massachusetts Medical Society, anticipating attempts to decriminalize physician assisted suicide, voted overwhelmingly to affirm its opposition to physician assisted suicide as well as its embracing of the principles of palliative care and patient dignity. Lynda Young, M.D., president of the Society, said that “Physicians of our Society have clearly declared that physician-assisted suicide is
physician’s role as healer … Read More »
Coulehan discusses hope, especially in the context of hospice and palliative care… “Studies of terminally ill patients have demonstrated clusters of personal and situational factors associated with enhancement or suppression of hope at the end of life. Enhancing factors included interpersonal connectedness, attainable goals, spiritual beliefs and practices, personal attributes of determination, courage, and serenity,
hope … a song without words … Read More »
When confronting serious medical decisions our attitude should be one of openness and wonder in front of a Mystery greater than ourselves. We set aside preconceptions and attend to the person in need as well as those who are serving him (doctors, nurses, chaplains, others). As we journey together, we weigh the burdens and benefits
“The ability to interact effectively with angry patients is a skill that is often learned with experience and is extremely useful in both transforming the patients’ reaction into a more creative emotion and in developing a therapeutic relationship … Almost always, anger will resolve if the patient is given time, respect, clear information and consistency
anger … blame or need? Read More »
