SEDATION, EUTHANASIA AND THE DYING PROCESS OF PATIENTS SUFFERING FROM CANCER IN REMEDIAL CARE: UNDERSTANDING CONCEPTS AND INTERRELATIONSHIPS

Abstract

This article is a reflection which aims at discussing the sedation practice in cancer sufferers under remedial care. In spite of being little addressed, the theme is pertinent due to the relentlessness it brings about in the caregivers involved in these patients’ care. The study is begun with a concept definition – found on scientific literature - on sedation, death/dying process, oncological remedial care and euthanasia. This is followed by the interrelationship among these concepts and its implementation to cancer sufferers’ care context. Finally, it is considered that the act of sedating a terminally-ill cancer bearer must be evaluated concerning its benefits and damages, valuing the family’s perception and, if possible the patient’s on this practice.

Keywords

• Sedation
• Euthanasia
• Palliative Care