Onkologie. 2020:14(4):187-190 | DOI: 10.36290/xon.2020.064

Trauma-informed approach in palliative nursing care of oncology patients

Olga Klepáčková, Martina Černá

Katedra sociální práce, Vysoká škola polytechnická Jihlava

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.

Keywords: medical trauma, nursing care, palliative care, trauma-informed approach.

Published: September 23, 2020  Show citation