The last 48 hours of life: a case study of symptom control for a patient taking a Buddhist approach to dying

Abstract

Caring for a patient dying of cancer can, at times, be extremely difficult. Sarah was 39 years old when she died, survived by her husband and two children aged 6 and 4 years. During the weeks leading up to her death, Sarah held extensive discussions with family and the multidisciplinary team. Her goal was to live the remainder of her last few hours as comfortable as possible and to die a "peaceful death". Terminal care is an important phase of life, one in which individuals have the right to expect quality of care to ensure that their death occurs with dignity. Sarah practised Buddhism on a daily basis. Issues of spirituality, serenity and peacefulness in dying were very important to her to ensure a good rebirth.