How to recognise the dying phase in palliative and end-of-life care

Abstract

The provision of individualised, high-quality care is a national priority, and this includes end-of-life care. To provide this involves recognising dying, but this can be challenging. In this fourth article in our series on palliative and end-of-life care, we outline management considerations for nurses. We also discuss tools and measures to aid this process, and the signs and symptoms that occur at this phase in life. When all reversible causes of an individual's deteriorating condition are ruled out, an essential element of end-of-life care provision is communicating the possibility that they may be dying to the person and their family members.

This article has been double-blind peer reviewed

In this article…

• Why recognising dying is important but can be challenging and involve uncertainty

• Tools and measures to support recognition of dying and the dying phase

• Signs and symptoms to be alert for and how to manage these

Key points

Dying can be defined, but it is often difficult to recognise

As each person experiences death uniquely, gaining insight into their personal values will enhance care planning

Once dying has been recognised, the focus of nursing care alters from enabling living well to supporting dying well

For every nurse, knowing how to recognise and manage this phase of life remains a career-long key responsibility and role