Accompanying Terminal Cancer Patients on Their Final Journey Through the Consultative Hospice Pilot Project
Family Member Expresses: "The Most Precious Time"
The consultative hospice pilot project operated by the Dongnam Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences (Director: Lee Changhoon) is providing significant comfort to terminal cancer patients and their families.
A recent thank-you letter sent by a patient's family member to the medical staff expressed deep gratitude for "preserving the dignity of the final journey of life."
A handwritten letter sent by a cancer patient's caregiver to the ward. Provided by Dongnamwon Nuclear Medicine Institute
This patient suffered from severe pain and weakness due to multiple metastases of colorectal cancer, but wished to return home out of fear of hospitalization. In response, the consultative hospice team coordinated home hospice care to support care at the patient's residence. Even when the patient's condition deteriorated and hospitalization became necessary, the team provided hospice-level care in a general ward.
In the letter, the family member wrote, "The last month with my husband became the most precious time of my life," and added, "The love of the medical staff was like a candle in the darkness, offering great comfort to both my husband and me." The family also expressed gratitude to the ward nurses, saying, "Thank you for caring for my bedridden husband without bedsores and for your devoted attention until the very end."
Since its launch at the end of January this year, the consultative hospice project has provided care for more than 50 terminally ill patients, including physical symptom management, psychological, social, and spiritual support, end-of-life care planning consultations, education on preparing for death, and resource linkage.
Lee Hayoung, head of the palliative care team, explained, "Hospice is not a service that necessarily requires admission to a hospice ward; holistic care is possible in outpatient settings or general wards as well." She added, "Our goal is to help patients and families take an active role in choosing the direction of their care."
The Dongnam Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences is currently seeking designation as a hospice-specialized institution by the Ministry of Health and Welfare in the second half of this year. Upon designation, the institute plans to expand integrated therapy programs such as art and music therapy, along with supporting single-patient room fees.
Director Lee Changhoon stated, "We will do our utmost to provide care that preserves dignity and respect until the very last moment of life."
Palliative Care Team (from left: JiHye An, Social Worker; Hayoung Lee, Team Leader and Hematology-Oncology Department Chief; YeongEun Kim, Nurse). Provided by Dongnam Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences
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