The Registered Psychiatric Nurses Association of Saskatchewan believes that Palliative Care is a
service which is made available to provide for the needs of terminally ill persons and their
supporters who have determined that treatment for cure or prolongation of life is no longer the
primary objective. Paramount is the care of physical, psychosocial and spiritual needs.(')
Palliative Care - active care which is primarily directed towards improving the quality of life of a
dying patient and his or her family when diagnosis and cure are no longer issues - is playing a
growing role in Canada's health care system.(')
The Registered Psychiatric Nurses Association of Saskatchewan believes that the following
principles incorporated within the Saskatchewan Department of Health: Guidelines for
Developing an Integrated Palliative Care Service, March 1994, should guide the delivery of
Palliative Care:
- the terminally ill individual and family control the decisions that direct care.
- service delivery is based on an assessment of the individual's abilities and available
family and community resources.
- the physical, psychosocial and spiritual needs of the terminally ill individual and family
are addressed.
- medical, nursing and therapist care are available to provide effective pain and symptom
control.
- service plans preserve and promote the autonomy and functional independence of the
individual and family.
- service is provided through a coordinated service for assessment, planning and provision
of care.
- the provision of physical, psychosocial and spiritual support is promoted and preserved.
- the provision of community based services are the preferred option whenever they
provide service appropriate to meet the needs of the individual and family.
- institutional services are appropriate only when the individual's needs cannot be
addressed by the family and available community based services.
- bereavement follow-up and support for families and care providers.
References:
- Saskatchewan Department of Health: Guidelines for Developing an Integrated Palliative
Care Service, March 1994.
- Canadian Health Care Management Special Report: Palliative Care in Canada - Catherine
Approved by Council
December 1994
