Clinical Practice Guideline for Care in the Last Days of Life
Authors
Jinyoung Shin ; Yoon Jung Chang ; So-Jung Park ; Jin Young Choi ; Sun-Hyun Kim ; Youn Seon Choi ; Nam Hee Kim ; Ho-Kee Yum ; Eun Mi Nam ; Myung Hee Park ; Nayeon Moon ; Jee Youn Moon ; Hee-Taik Kang ; Jung Hun Kang ; Jae-Min Park ; Chung-Woo Lee ; Seon-Young Kim ; Eun Jeong Lee ; Su-Jin Koh ; Yonghwan Kim ; Myongjin Agnes Cho ; Youhyun Song ; Jae Yong Shim
Citation
Korean Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care (한국호스피스완화의료학회지), Vol.23(3) : 103-113, 2020-09
Terminal care ; Symptom assessment ; Communication ; Decision making ; Education
Abstract
A clinical practice guideline for patients in the dying process in general wards and their
families, developed through an evidence-based process, is presented herein. The purpose of
this guideline is to enable a peaceful death based on an understanding of suitable management
of patients’ physical and mental symptoms, psychological support, appropriate decision-
making, family care, and clearly-defined team roles. Although there are limits to the
available evidence regarding medical issues in patients facing death, the final recommendations
were determined from expert advice and feedback, considering values and preferences
related to medical treatment, benefits and harms, and applicability in the real world. This
guideline should be applied in a way that takes into account specific health care environments,
including the resources of medical staff and differences in the available resources of
each institution. This guideline can be used by all medical institutions in South Korea.