THE EXPERIENCES OF USING THE THERAPEUTIC RELATIONSHIPS IN PALLIATIVE CARE FOR PATIENTS AND FAMILIES

Abstract

           In this academic article, the authors complied from experience as mental health and psychiatric nurses using therapeutic relationship concepts of Peplau’s theories (1997) and empowerment concepts of Gibson’s model (1991) for palliative care. Lessons taken from group discussions were also used with physicians, professional nurses, priests, and clergies, as well as the postural teams of St. Louis Hospital. Then, the analysis was conducted to conclude the best care guideline at that time for the patients, their relatives, and their family. The main objectives of palliative care for end-of-life patients are to decrease their suffering from the symptoms, create relationships, accept, show sympathy, and understand the patients, their family, and their caregivers. Therefore, the patients and their families can receive the opportunity to let off their distress and stress leading to clarity in their knowledge and understanding that decreases their tension and anxiety. This circumstance can provide a calm, comfortable, and relaxed environment waiting for the last together moments of their lives. Moreover, this will allow the patients and their families to be able to manage their final wills giving importance to the faith and religious practices, in which every party should provide precedence to the patients so that they can face death with the best human dignity.