Table 2 Overview of S-PCGs key topics, sections and example of the issues included in the S-PCG
Key topic | Section/item | Example of issues or tools |
|---|---|---|
SYMPTOM AND STATUS | Symptoms and status | Assessment of symptoms and status with validated tools such as IPOSa, Abbey Pain scale or ESAS |
Communication skills | The patient’s ability to communicate or need for assistance (e.g. interpreter) | |
Function in daily life | Assessment of level of function (ECOGc) and activities of daily living (ADL) | |
COMMUNICATION/ DECISIONS | End-of-life conversation | Regarding prognosis and focus of care; Treatment interventions and life-sustaining treatments preferences |
Medical decisions | Regarding current medical interventions, treatments and DNRd; Prescription for anticipatory medication | |
Information | Practical information for the patient and/or the family (e.g. brochures, available benefits, support groups) | |
Understanding | Insight about current prognosis and focus of care | |
PREFERENCES | Wishes and priorities | What is important right now; Spiritual and cultural needs; Involvement in care and treatment |
SOCIAL CONTEXT | Familye | Family members distress/worries; Involvement in care; and Need for support |
Children | Minor children in the family and assessment of their need for information and support | |
PLANNING | Coordination of care | Contact information and need for referral (e.g. to specialized palliative care, dietician, religious/spiritual leader) |
Care interventions | Individual care interventions together with suggestions of possible interventions for each symptom/condition | |
Reassessment and consent | Plan for new assessment of palliative care needs; Consent to share information with other care providers | |
LAST DAYS OF LIFE | Signs of dying | Signs that the patient might be dying (e.g. the patient is bedridden; deteriorating level of consciousness) |
Recognition of dying | Recognition by the physician that the patient may be entering the last days of life | |
Special requests/needs | Special requests and needs of the patient and/or family before and/or after the death (e.g. rituals, symbols) | |
Care of the dying | Continuous assessment of symptoms and status, and care interventions during the last days of life | |
AFTER THE DEATH | Care of the deceased | Practical, spiritual and cultural procedures and routines after death |
Bereavement support | Information to the family (e.g. about practical issues, grief and support groups) and bereavement support |