Living fully, choosing wisely: Exploring patient-centred approaches to palliative care and MAiD – Part I

Abstract

With increasing numbers of individuals presenting with advanced cancer, strong recommendations for the integration of palliative care in oncology, and the availability and acceptance of medical assistance in dying, oncology nurses must be informed and prepared to provide patient-centred care in advanced cancer. This is part one of a two-part case report presenting an exploration of early palliative care and medical assistance in dying in the setting of advanced cancer. It focuses on the patient and family experience throughout the illness trajectory, from diagnosis to death, and incorporates some of the common challenges seen in supporting someone with advanced cancer. While highlighting the perspective of the patient and family, it demonstrates how palliative care and medical assistance in dying can work together to achieve a patient’s goals. The paper provides valuable insight for oncology nurses to consider in their practice.