Providing total patient care: the power of reflection.

Abstract

One of the tasks that many of us undertake at this time of year is to reflect on the out-going year. Some will be glad that 2005 is over and hope that 2006 will be better, others will reflect on a year, which included some really positive experiences. For the majority of us, it will be a year in which there were both high and low points. However, for many of the people that we care for in the palliative setting, this may be a year in which they find it difficult to see the positive aspects. Those who have moved from curative treatment to palliative care, those whose symptoms now limit their quality of life and those who mourn the passing of loved ones, may find it difficult to articulate tha..