Hospital+Nurses’+Views+Of+The+Signs+And+Symptoms+That+Herald+The+Onset+Of+The+Dying+Phase+In+Oncology+Patients

van der Werff, Gertruud FM, Wolter Paans, and Roos MB Nieweg. "Hospital Nurses' Views Of The Signs And Symptoms That Herald The Onset Of The Dying Phase In Oncology Patients." International Journal Of Palliative Nursing 18.3 (2012): 143-149 7p. CINAHL Plus with Full Text. Web. 11 June 2016.

This article references a focus group study of nurses’ observations on signs and symptoms that indicate a patient is entering the dying phase (final days of life). The intent is to gather all pertinent information regarding these observations in an attempt to better predict the onset of the dying phase so that proper end of life care could be initiated in a timelier manner. The study uncovered 9 prevalent indicators that ranged across the holistic paradigm (physical, psychological, social, and spiritual issues). Also noted, the nurses’ observations showed that these indicators vary from patient to patient and as such, delineating the onset of the dying phase is nearly impossible.

This article will form the basic hub of my research as it identifies several indicators regarding the onset of the dying phase. Also, the article remarks on the insight that end-of-life nurses have in relation to the subject. I plan to use the symptom chart to delve deeper into a few specific indicators mentioned. I will also explore the use of general guidelines (LPC) for determining when to begin palliative care.