Table 2 Benefits of early palliative care in candidates considered for left ventricular assist device (LVAD) as destination therapy (DT).
From: Ethical challenges with the left ventricular assist device as a destination therapy
• Apply early in the course of illness, in conjunction with other life-prolonging therapies to help patient better understand and manage new distressing symptoms and clinical complications |
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• Provide relief from pain and other distressing symptoms |
• Enhance patient's quality of life |
• Integrate the psychological and spiritual aspects of patient care |
• Offer a support system to help patients live as actively as possible until death |
• Offer a support system to help caregivers and family members cope during the patient's illness |
• Affirm life, and regard dying as a normal process |
• Intend neither to hasten nor postpone death |
• Offer a support system to help caregivers and families with the grief reaction, including bereavement counseling after device deactivation and death |