Assessment of symptom burden and information needs helps tailoring palliative care consultations 129 Example questions: Symptoms/problems ☐ When I have symptoms, what can be done to reduce them? ☐ What can I do myself to reduce my symptoms? ☐ How can I achieve the best possible quality of life with my symptoms? ☐ I am very tired, how do I deal with this? ☐ How do I balance rest and activity? ☐ What can I do to stay fit? ☐ How can I continue to do the things that are important to me? ☐ What is the best food for me to eat? ☐ What can I do to increase my appetite for food? ☐ How can I reduce my pain? ☐ I feel less like having sex or cuddling, how do I deal with this? ☐ Who can help me with feelings of depression and anxiety? ☐ Where do I find reliable information, websites or information leaflets? Future ☐ What symptoms can I expect in the future and what can I do about them? ☐ Will I have pain? ☐ Will my pain and other symptoms also be treatable in the future? Social/ Meaning ☐ Where can I find good support/counselling for my children? ☐ Are there any good websites for (young) children? ☐ Which sites/organisations can help my family and friends (family caregivers)? ☐ How can I discuss important choices/events in my life? ☐ How do I find a way of saying goodbye that is right for me? ☐ My views on the meaning of life and on life after death are changing. How do I deal with this? Organisation of care ☐ How can I arrange home care or domestic help now or in the future? ☐ What can volunteers do for me? ☐ Who do I call for what symptom? ☐ Can I get help with an activity, travel or outing? 6
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