Introduction
Palliative care is evolving, and nurses are at the forefront of this transformation. The recent integrative review titled "Nursing activities for health promotion in palliative home care: an integrative review" offers valuable insights into how nurses can enhance their practice in home-based palliative care. This blog will explore the key findings of the review and provide actionable steps for practitioners to improve their skills and patient outcomes.
The Core of Health-Promoting Palliative Care
The review identifies six themes that describe nursing activities for health promotion in palliative home care:
- Creating a meaningful relationship
- Supplying medical information
- Promoting self-care throughout the trajectory
- Providing emotional support
- Involving professional or community services
- Supporting change
These themes align with Kellehear’s Health-Promoting Palliative Care (HPPC) model, which emphasizes the importance of a participatory approach to healthcare.
Building Meaningful Relationships
Establishing a meaningful relationship with patients and their caregivers is foundational. Nurses should invest time in understanding the patient's values, goals, and needs. This relationship fosters trust and facilitates personalized care, enabling patients to feel secure and engaged in their care journey.
Empowering Through Information
Supplying medical information is a critical nursing activity. By making medical information accessible, nurses empower patients and caregivers to make informed decisions about their care. This includes explaining the illness trajectory, medication use, and preparing for end-of-life scenarios.
Promoting Self-Care
Encouraging self-care is vital for patient autonomy. Nurses can guide patients in managing their illness and care, boosting their confidence in their abilities. Similarly, educating caregivers about basic care practices can empower them to support their loved ones effectively.
Providing Emotional Support
Emotional support is integral to palliative care. Through active listening and focused conversations, nurses can help patients and caregivers articulate their thoughts and goals, facilitating shared decision-making. Emotional support can also include spiritual care, offering hope and meaning in difficult times.
Involving Community Services
Nurses play a pivotal role in coordinating professional and community services. By connecting patients with community resources, nurses can provide comprehensive support that extends beyond the healthcare setting.
Supporting Change
Nurses must navigate changes in social roles and functional status, supporting patients in adapting to new realities. This includes facilitating the use of adaptive equipment and creating opportunities for patients to maintain their desired lifestyle.
Conclusion
The integrative review highlights the importance of a holistic approach to palliative care, where nurses not only address individual needs but also engage with the community. By embracing the principles of health promotion, nurses can enhance their practice and improve the quality of life for patients in palliative care.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Nursing activities for health promotion in palliative home care: an integrative review.
