PALLIATIVE SEDATION IN PATIENTS WITH TERMINAL ILLNESS

Course overview

PALLIATIVE SEDATION IS INDICATED WHEN THERE IS INTRACTABLE DISTRESS IN PATIENTS WHO ARE TERMINALLY ILL OR DYING. IT IS A PALLIATIVE PRACTICE GEARED TOWARD PROVIDING RELIEF FROM PAIN, ANXIETY, AGITATION IN PATIENTS WHO OTHERWISE HAVE A SHORT LIFESPAN. THE PURPOSE OF PALLIATIVE SEDATION IS TO PREVENT UNNECESSARY SUFFERING AND TO FAVOR A SMOOTH TRANSITION TO DEATH. THIS ACTIVITY REVIEWS THE ROLE OF PALLIATIVE SEDATION FOR TERMINAL PATIENTS AND HIGHLIGHTS THE ETHICAL AND LEGAL ISSUES WITH THIS THERAPY.