- (2010) Volume 4, Issue 3
RN MS(c) Thriasio Hospital Athens, Greece
Introduction: Advanced and progressive illness that does not respond in therapeutic interventions, results in various repercussions concerning temperament adaptation of the sick person and his/her family. The patient experiences intense distress with regard to the pain, as well as alienation and isolation while being led to an experience that cannot "be shared" with somebody. Objective: The study’s purpose was to explore the needs of both Intensive Care Unit patients and their relatives. Methodology: The method of this study included bibliography research from both the review and the research literature. A Medline and a Google search was conducted. Bibliography review was made with key words: “final stage psychological support, ICU patients, quality of life, patient-ICU nurse interaction’. Results: According to the literature, the aim of comforting care provided by the ICU medical and paramedical personnel is about achieving the best possible quality of life for the patients and their families through control of pain, control of symptoms, psychological and intellectual support, support of family and support in bereavement. Conclusions: Psychological support of final stage patients is based on human rights, human dignity, solidarity and the freedom of choice. Patients’ participation in making decisions, family as a part of the care and various intellectual questions should be kept in mind.
