| Theme | How to Correspond to Chronic Dialysis Patients in End-of-Life Stage | |
|---|---|---|
| Title | Communication with terminally ill renalfailure patients and their families : consultation-liaison psychiatric perspective | |
| Publish Date | 2009/09 | |
| Author | Naoshi Horikawa | Department of Psychiatry, Saitama Medical Center,Saitama Medical University |
| Author | Izumi Kuramochi | Department of Psychiatry, Saitama Medical Center,Saitama Medical University |
| Author | Toyohiko Hiwatashi | Department of Psychiatry, Saitama Medical Center,Saitama Medical University |
| Author | Yukiko Ohmura | Department of Psychiatry, Saitama Medical Center,Saitama Medical University |
| Author | Keisuke Kokubo | Department of Psychiatry, Saitama Medical Center,Saitama Medical University |
| Author | Takamitsu Uchida | Department of Psychiatry, Saitama Medical Center,Saitama Medical University |
| Author | Takaaki Yasuda | Department of Psychiatry, Saitama Medical Center,Saitama Medical University |
| [ Summary ] | Palliative care for terminally ill renal failure patients is becoming increasingly important. This is especially so because of the growing number ofelderly patients. In particular, patients undergoing hemodialysis suffer from particular psychological stress when dialysis must be discontinued. Palliative care for terminally ill renal failure patients is similar to that for cancer patients. It may also be seen as a more exhaustive form of treatment than the ordinary care provided for dialysis patients. Careful physical care, appropriate social support and supportive psychotherapy are all essential. Moreover, existential distress such as death anxiety should be treated based on historical understanding of patients' lives and their illnesses as well as consequent deeper sympathetic relationships between patients and medical staffs. Discussions with patients concerning the meaningand value of their lives is also necessary. In addition, "dignity therapy" in association with palliative care for cancer patients and the possibility of its application to renal failure patients is discussed. | |