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Last updated on Feb 19, 2025
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  3. Patient Advocacy

You're advocating for a patient facing terminal illness. How can you help them accept their reality?

Assisting someone grappling with terminal illness is delicate; it's about providing comfort and helping them find acceptance. Here are a few ways to support:

- Encourage open dialogue about fears and feelings, which can foster acceptance through expression and connection.

- Offer resources for professional counseling or support groups, where shared experiences can provide solace and perspective.

- Help them create a legacy project, like a memory book or video, which can bring a sense of peace and purpose.

How have you helped others navigate this profound experience?

Patient Advocacy Patient Advocacy

Patient Advocacy

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Last updated on Feb 19, 2025
  1. All
  2. Healthcare
  3. Patient Advocacy

You're advocating for a patient facing terminal illness. How can you help them accept their reality?

Assisting someone grappling with terminal illness is delicate; it's about providing comfort and helping them find acceptance. Here are a few ways to support:

- Encourage open dialogue about fears and feelings, which can foster acceptance through expression and connection.

- Offer resources for professional counseling or support groups, where shared experiences can provide solace and perspective.

- Help them create a legacy project, like a memory book or video, which can bring a sense of peace and purpose.

How have you helped others navigate this profound experience?

Add your perspective
Help others by sharing more (125 characters min.)
30 answers
  • Contributor profile photo
    Contributor profile photo
    SirAd Adams

    WHO CSO Comm Advocacy WG Member Secretary African Stroke Organization, ASO Public Health Policy, Community Based Rehabilitation Robotics Assistive Technology Expert & Global Patient -Development Advocate Consultant

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    Reality Orientation: Most patients need to come to terms with their condition. Gradual engagement with them to accept and come to terms with their condition is very crucial. These are best done when a patient with similar disease conditions shares their experiences to motivate others to step out of their "solitude shells" This is termed as the power of lived experiences or patient Empowerment.

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    Jocelyn Williams, BSN, RN, CBC

    Perinatal RN | Certified Breastfeeding Counselor | Health Educator | Nurse Coach

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    The path to accepting the realities of a terminal illness is as unique as someone’s fingerprints. As a nurse, I would focus on the holistic, patient-centered approach. A few ways the nurse can help the patient navigate this situation includes; - Allowing the patient to openly express their feelings and thoughts. - Be patient and actively listen during patient interactions. - Ask the patient, What would be the best way to support you through this process? - If needed, provide the necessary resources and refer the other professionals. - Respect the patient’s cultural and spiritual decisions for medical care.

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    Maryam Meerkerk-Mehrain

    Empowering Patients to Overcome Medical Anxiety | NLP Coaching & Emotional Support | Training Clinics & Hospitals in Patient-Centered Care

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    Acceptance is a deeply personal journey, especially for those facing a terminal illness. From an NLP and holistic perspective, guiding patients through this process involves helping them reframe fear, find meaning in their experiences, and focus on what they can still control. Conversations structured around their values, memories, and hopes can ease emotional distress, as studies have shown. Creating a safe space for them to express, reflect, and even shift towards peace is invaluable. It’s not about denying reality but about helping them navigate it with more calm and clarity.

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    John Charo

    General Nurse, BLS, ACLS CERTIFIED. BSCN C.E.O- SANAR MEDICARE CLINIC

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    It's important to remember that everyone grieves differently. The most important thing is to be there for the patient, listen to their concerns, and offer support. You can help them accept their reality by validating their feelings, encouraging them to express their emotions, and helping them to find meaning in their remaining time.

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    Monsy Nieves-Martinez

    Retired Associate Executive Director Of Operations at New York City Health and Hospital Corporation

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    In my experience working with terminal and/or chronic ill people, you much show empathy and compassion. Let them vent and talk about their feelings, listen without interruption and validate how they feel. Never speak of your own experiences to someone is going thru difficult times. Let them know that your doors are opened to talk

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    Karina de Oliveira Ribeiro

    Enfermeira I Pesquisa Clínica l Oncologia I Docente de Enfermagem.

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    Aceitar uma doença terminal é uma jornada única. O papel do cuidador é fornecer ferramentas—seja através de escuta, cuidados paliativos ou apoio existencial—para que o paciente encontre paz em seus próprios termos. Algumas dicas são: * Escuta ativa e validação emocional: Permitir que o paciente expresse seus medos, raiva, tristeza ou negação SEM JULGAMENTOS (Kübler-Ross, 1969). * Linguagem clara e sensível: Evitar eufemismos como "você vai descansar", mas também não ser excessivamente cru. A abordagem deve ser gradual, conforme a PRONTIDÃO DO PACIENTE (Back et al., 2008). *Evitar pressão: Frases como "você precisa aceitar" podem ser prejudiciais. Em vez disso, VALIDAR: "É normal se sentir assim" (Chochinov, 2012).

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    Abolore Adekoya MSN RN

    Clinical Expert: Infusion Therapy Nurse & Pharmaceutical Care | Pharmacy Tech | Clinical Educator | Bridging Healthcare Gaps | Improving Patient Outcomes

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    As a Nurse who specializes in Hospice patients who are terminally ill often needs to comfort them when they face a devastating diagnosis. There are times when patient are not accepting of their diagnosis, and the most important type of care we can give is supportive and communicative care. We have to allow patient time to accept their diagnosis as well as allowing them to go through a rollercoaster of emotions. More importantly, give them space to talk about life, their accomplishments, as well as things they would have liked to have done before their illness. One thing I encourage my patient to do is to journal their thoughts and feelings. And if they want, they can request that their journal be read after their passing.

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    Brenda Regina Ribeiro

    Profissional de enfermagem e voluntária dedicada ✉️ ribeirobrenda.r1@gmail.com

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    Ajudar um paciente em cuidados paliativos a aceitar sua realidade é um processo delicado, que envolve empatia, escuta ativa e respeito ao tempo e às emoções dele. Não se trata de forçar uma aceitação, mas de criar um ambiente seguro para que ele processe sua situação no próprio ritmo. Aqui estão algumas estratégias importantes: Seja um ouvinte atento, validando os sentimentos dele sem julgamentos; Trabalhe com a equipe multi (oferecendo um cuidado holístico); Fale sobre memórias afetivas e legado, apoio da família e ofereça apoio espiritual (se o paciente for religioso), isso ajuda a reforçar, que apesar da situação, sua vida tem valor; Esteja presente, mesmo que ele opte pelo silêncio.

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    zabiullah suratzada

    Co-Founder

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    I’d offer support, listen with empathy, and encourage them to cherish meaningful moments with loved ones. Creating a safe space for their emotions can bring comfort and help them find peace

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