1. IAPC | TOGETHER WE CHOOSE 2014 | ISCCM

2. This is how we look at life. We expect it to just go on and on.

3. IAPC | TOGETHER WE CHOOSE 2014 | ISCCM But… what if there is a chronic disease?

4. IAPC | TOGETHER WE CHOOSE 2014 | ISCCM Fortunately, medicine today can help us recover and keep us comfortable.

5. IAPC | TOGETHER WE CHOOSE 2014 | ISCCM However, at times medicine cannot stop the progress of the disease.

6. IAPC | TOGETHER WE CHOOSE 2014 | ISCCM When the doctor indicates the end is near, the patient finds it difficult to believe … What! Are you serious? What will happen to my family? How long do I have?

7. IAPC | TOGETHER WE CHOOSE 2014 | ISCCM Are you sure? … so does the family. What do we do? There is nothing you can do?

8. IAPC | TOGETHER WE CHOOSE 2014 | ISCCM The patient and the family must feel free to share their fears and concerns with the doctor. Is it rude to ask the doctor? Will the doctor have time to talk to us? What if my question is silly? The doctor knows best, so why ask?

9. IAPC | TOGETHER WE CHOOSE 2014 | ISCCM This is the time for some honest communication, the time to take some decisions together.

10. IAPC | TOGETHER WE CHOOSE 2014 | ISCCM No pain, no distress to the patient at any time. Always respect the patient’s dignity, likes and the right to make decisions. Allow the patient to express preferences about end-of-life care.

11. IAPC | TOGETHER WE CHOOSE 2014 | ISCCM I want to die at home. I want my wife near me when I die. Tell my friend I forgive him. I want the priest to help me pray. No life support for me please It is important to honour the patient’s wishes.

12. IAPC | TOGETHER WE CHOOSE 2014 | ISCCM Apart from comfort care, end- of-life care provides psychological, spiritual and social support.

13. IAPC | TOGETHER WE CHOOSE 2014 | ISCCM Life eventually ends, but end-of-life care does not.

14. IAPC | TOGETHER WE CHOOSE 2014 | ISCCM Bereavement support helps the family cope and start afresh.

15. IAPC | TOGETHER WE CHOOSE 2014 | ISCCM End-of-life care is about never stopping to care, even when we cannot cure.

16. IAPC | TOGETHER WE CHOOSE 2014 | ISCCM The care with which we treat the dying affirms that our humanity is living.

17. IAPC | TOGETHER WE CHOOSE 2014 | ISCCM Together we choose

18. IAPC | TOGETHER WE CHOOSE 2014 | ISCCM Read the Joint Position Statement and Guidelines. Sign and support the campaign. For more information, please contact palliativecare.india@gmail.com palliativecare.india@gmail.com isccm1@gmail.com

19. Together we choose