ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Apply a palliative approach

1.1 Differentiate between practices applicable in curative and palliative approaches

1.2 Apply the principles and aims of a palliative approach in caring for clients

1.3 Use an approach that reflects an understanding of the client's needs as holistic and extending over time, not just end-of-life

2. Respect client preferences for quality of life choices

2.1 Encourage client, carers, family members and/or significant others to share information regarding changing needs and preferences through a supportive environment

2.2 Respect client's lifestyle, social context and spiritual needs and document observations in line with care plan

2.3 Respect cultural choices in line with care plan

2.4. Support the freedom of the client, carer, his/her family and /or significant others to discuss spiritual and cultural issues in an open and non-judgemental way within scope of own responsibilities and skills

2.5 Refer further needs and issues to appropriate member of the care team in line with organisation protocols

2.6 Provide emotional support using effective communication skills

2.7 Demonstrate respect for the relationship between the client and carer

3. Follow the client's advanced care directives in the care plan

3.1 Work in a manner reflecting understanding and acceptance of the legal and ethical implications of the need to follow advanced care directives

3.2 Consistently follow advanced care directives in the care plan in line with own work role

3.3 Comply with end-of-life decisions as documented in the care plan and in keeping with legal requirements

3.4 Report the client's needs/issues in relation to end-of-life to the appropriate team member for documentation in the care plan

3.5 Recognise impact of client's end-of-life needs/ issues on carers and refer to appropriate member of the care team in line with organisation protocols

3.6 Deliver services in a manner that supports the right of clients to choose the location of their end of life care

4. Follow end-of-life care strategies

4.1 Regularly check for any changes on care plan that indicate decisions made by client have been reviewed

4.2 Provide supportive environment to client, families, carers and those involved in their care at end-of-life

4.3 Consider client's preferences and culture when providing end-of-life care according to care plan

4.4 Maintain dignity of the client in undertaking planned end-of-life care and immediately following death

4.5 Recognise any signs of client's imminent death/ deterioration and report to appropriate member of care team in line with organisation requirements

4.6 Recognise emotional needs of other clients, carers and their families affected and provide support when a death has occurred

5. Respond to signs of pain and other symptoms/ discomfort

5.1 Observe client closely and identify pain and other symptoms in line with care plan directives

5.2 Document observations of pain and other symptoms and promptly report to appropriate member of care team

5.3 Implement strategies to promote comfort in line with care plan

5.4 Regularly evaluate and document effectiveness of implemented strategies

5.5 Refer to appropriate member of staff any misconceptions in the workplace surrounding the use of pain relieving medication

6. Manage own emotional responses and ethical issues

6.1 Identify and reflect upon own emotional responses to death and dying and raise and discuss any issues with supervisor or other appropriate person

6.2 Acknowledge potential impact of personal responses on self and others and action appropriately

6.3 Accept need for bereavement care and support of other team members

6.4 Reflect upon ethical issues and discuss with appropriate person if necessary

6.5 Follow organisation policies and procedures in relation to managing emotional responses and ethical issues