Citation

Goelitz A. Palliat. Support. Care 2003; 1(3): 275-278.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2003, Cambridge University Press)

DOI

10.1017/s1478951503030244

PMID

16594428

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To report on the case of a terminally ill patient who expresses suicidal ideation.
METHODS: As this case demonstrates, suicidality at end-of-life poses numerous challenges for the palliative care team. In this case, a 49-year-old man with locally extensive head and neck cancer refused all life-prolonging treatment and expressed a desire to hasten his own death. Other issues, such as chemical dependency and lack of social supports, complicated his care.
RESULTS: Suicidality lessened as continuity of care, with ongoing assessments and interventions, addressed sources of suffering and built relationships with health care professionals.
SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS: This case highlights the observation that desire for hastened death fluctuates for patients at end-of-life and may be influenced by factors under the control of the palliative care team.

Language: en

Keywords

Head and Neck Neoplasms; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Palliative Care; Personal Autonomy; Social Support; Substance-Related Disorders; Suicide