DEATH & DYING

TERMINAL ILLNESS Disease that cannot be cured and will result in death People react in different ways Some patients fear the unknown while others view death as a final peace

RESEARCH Dr. Elizabeth Kübler-Ross was the leading expert in the field of death and dying and because of her research Most medical personnel now believe patients should be informed of approaching death Patients should be left with some hope and know they will not be left alone Staff need to know extent of information known by patients (continues)

CLASS RESEARCH Dr. Kübler-Ross identified five stages of grieving- take a few minutes to research these 5 stages We will discuss your findings

STAGES OF DEATH AND DYING 1.Denial—refuses to believe 2.Anger—when no longer able to deny 3.Bargaining—accepts death, but wants more time 4.Depression—realizes death will come soon 5.Acceptance—understands and accepts the fact they are going to die

SKIT Create at skit showing the 5 stages of grief with a group of 3-4 people.

STAGES OF DEATH AND DYING Dying patients and their families and friends may experience these stages Stages may not occur in order Some patients may not progress through them all, others may experience several stages at once

CARING FOR THE DYING PATIENT Very challenging, but rewarding work Supportive care Health care worker must have self-awareness Common to want to avoid feelings by avoiding dying patient

HOSPICE CARE Palliative care only Comfort measure only Often in patient’s home Philosophy: allow patient to die with dignity and comfort Personal care Volunteers After death contact and services

RIGHT TO DIE Ethical issues must be addressed by the health care worker Laws allowing “right to die” Under these laws specific actions to end life cannot be taken Hospice encourages LIVE promise Dying Person’s Bill of Rights

SUMMARY Death is a part of life Health care workers must understand death and dying process and think about needs of dying patients Then health care workers will be able to provide the special care these individuals need

ASSISTED SUICIDE BRITTANY MAYNARD

BRITTANY MAYNARD Brittany Maynard has precisely 2 weeks to live. She knows this because she has chosen the date she will pass away, peacefully and painlessly, in her Oregon home. She'll be surrounded by a small group of people — including her mother and husband — whom she loves. Maynard selected November 1 for her death because her husband's birthday is on October 26, and she wants to celebrate with him.she wants to celebrate with him It's not a coincidence that Brittany and her family live in one of the only five U.S. states that allow assisted suicide. Soon after Brittany was married, she began experiencing debilitating, unexplained headaches. On January 1, 2014, while on vacation with her husband, Brittany was diagnosed with a grade II astrocytoma — a severe brain tumor that doctors predicted would allow Brittany at most 10 years to live. "I have to tell you," she states in the video above, "when you’re 29 years old, being told you have that kind of timeline still feels like being told you’re going to die tomorrow." A few months later, Brittany's prognosis shifted dramatically. Despite having undergone surgery, her cancer had progressed to glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), the deadliest form of brain cancer. With treatment, GBM's median survival time is around 14.6 months, meaning that half of those with GBM live for longer than 14.6, and half live for less. Brittany was given six months. Doctors explained that her death would be slow and painful as her tumor grew — a worsening progression of headaches, nausea, vomiting, weakness, and seizures.glioblastoma multiforme

WHAT DO YOU THINK? Write 3-5 sentences about your thoughts on Brittany Maynard’s choice of assisted suicide? What are the things you would want to do if you were given a terminal diagnosis like Brittany’s?

CLASS DISCUSSION Each person will share what they wrote with the class and discuss their beliefs of the subject.