It can often be difficult to be certain that a person is dying. Recognising when a person’s death is approaching is an important clinical skill as it allows the healthcare team and the person, family, and carers to prepare. When someone dies at home, the family need to know what happens. This can be discussed before the death so that they are aware of what they need to do when death occurs. It is not always possible to have a health professional present at the time of a person’s death, particularly if the person is at home, therefore planning, education and family reassurance are very important in providing supportive, strengths based palliative care. It is important that families are prepared, with plenty of written information such as a list of who to call. When people are upset they may not remember what they have been told.’

Presentation Slides

Dr Russell Shute, MBBS., FRACGP., Adelaide SA – Lead Facilitator and GP Advisor Project ECHO, Specialist Palliative Care GP and Medical Writer, University SA

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