Cuidados Paliativos e Medicina

Abstrato

Palliative Care Nursing in Cyprus

Yolanda Kading

Palliative homecare in the Republic of Cyprus is limited to cancer patients and only provided by two nongovernmental organizations (NGO’s) which offer free services to adults. Nurses employed by these charities support patients and assist families in the provision of necessary care. They play a vital role in helping to improve quality of life, using a holistic approach when addressing issues of concern and when helping to overcome the difficulties which may arise from pain and other symptoms. They advocate best practice and strive to educate, not only patients and their care givers, but also other healthcare professionals and the general public, in an effort to empower, ensure safety and promote good palliative care. Although these services have evolved since their onset in the 1980’s there is a continuing need for improvement and expansion in order to ensure that 24 hour care is available for all, both adults and children, regardless of disease.