Describing Perceptions and Experiences of Undergraduate Nursing Students Regarding Death and Dying in Palliative Care Setting

Palliative care is an approach that aims to improve the quality of life for patients with serious and terminal illnesses by providing holistic care. The care is not only limited to the patient, but also to their family members and the care covers a wide range of services, including physical, mental, psychosocial, emotional and spiritual aspects. Palliative care is recognized as a human right as an integral part of health, so it is the responsibility of the health system to develop palliative services. According to the World Health Organization 2018, about 40 million people need palliative care each year, 78% of whom are from low- and middle-income countries. In Pakistan, noncommunicable diseases, including cancer, have become the leading cause of morbidity and mortality, indicating a high need for palliative care. However, Pakistan's health system is not ready to consider it a priority program. In addition, Pakistan's health facility lacks qualified personnel and pain relievers such as opioids

Author(s): Zohra Kurji, Jacqueline Dias, Salma Amin Rattani, Amina Aijaz Khowaja and Anila Naz AliSher

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