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Core principles of end-of-life care

12 March 2020
At a Glance
02 March 2020
Volume 29 · Issue 5

The Office for National Statistics (2019) reported 541 589 registered deaths in England and Wales in 2018, an increase of 1.6% compared with 2017, and the highest number of annual deaths since 1999. The number of deaths and age-specific mortality rates for people 90 years and over also increased. With an ageing population, and an increasing incidence of long-term conditions (some cancers fitting into this category as well as dementia) there will be a growing emphasis on end-of-life care provision (National Palliative and End of Life Care Partnership, 2015).

In order to provide high-quality end-of-life care, understanding what is meant by the term is crucial. Within the literature, and among professionals, the terms ‘end of life’, palliative care and terminal care are often used interchangeably; however, each term has distinct differences and prognostic implications (Hui et al, 2014). It is imperative that nurses and other health professionals understand the defining characteristics of each term, so that they can recognise the phase appropriate for the patient and be able to respond to their care needs in a timely manner.

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