Care of the terminal patient in the community

Caring for a terminally ill patient in the community is in my opinion an experience unparalleled in any form of nursing. It is total nursing care of both the patient and his family in their environment, not an environment controlled by others.

This presentation will be in the form of a case history of a terminally ill cancer patient nursed in the community.

Due to the isolation of the home environment, the necessity for a health care team is essential. Open communication between all members of the health care team will be highlighted. The need for adequate short term rapid assessment and treatment areas to enable patients to remain in the environment of their choice is becoming markedly apparent.