Trauma-informed approach in palliative nursing care of oncology patients

Abstract

Many oncology patients in the preterminal or terminal stage of their disease don´t suffer only by somatic symptoms or psychological issues related to their state of health and adaptation to this life situation. Sometimes long-term consequences of the past difficult or traumatic event, the impact of medical trauma and cancer-related posttraumatic stress disorder, or secondary losses due to their diagnosis and prognosis play a significant part in their current pain and suffering. These aspects may greatly affect not only their relationship and communication with nursing staff including nurses but also a course of the nursing care itself. The trauma-informed approach brings to palliative care a new perspective on how to better understand the feelings and behavior of these patients and how to contribute to better fulfillment of their needs within one´s scope of competencies and in the context of holistic care. The article is focused not only on the theoretical knowledge but also its using in nursing practice in outpatient, home-based or inpatients palliative care services.