Palliative care is a comprehensive healthcare approach that aims to improve the quality of life of patients with chronic, life-limiting, and debilitating illnesses by providing physical, psychological, social, and spiritual support. It emphasizes symptom management, continuity of care, home-based services, and support for both patients and their caregivers.
The Department of Community Health Nursing and the NSS Unit of Pushpagiri College of Nursing, through the students of the VIIIth Semester B.Sc. Nursing, participated in the Palliative Care Services conducted at Kuttoor Family Primary Health Centre as per the request of the Kuttoor Grama Panchayat. The palliative care services are routinely organized by the Primary Health Centre it includes OPD services on every Monday, followed by feild visit for registered beneficiaries, and the students actively participated in the clinic and home-based care activities under the guidance of the Medical Officer (MO), Health Inspector (HI), Junior Public Health Nurse (JPHN), Palliative Care Nurse, ASHA workers, and other healthcare staff.
As part of the palliative care initiative, home visits are also conducted for palliative patients registered under Kuttoor Family Primary Health Centre. During these visits, students assess the patients’ health status, monitor symptoms, identify care needs, provide basic nursing care, offer emotional support, and educate family members regarding home-based care practices. These home visits also help in understanding the living conditions, caregiver challenges, and supportive needs of patients and their families.
Health education and counselling are provided to patients and caregivers based on their individual needs. The sessions include medication adherence, nutrition for elderly patients, personal hygiene, prevention of pressure sores, pain and symptom management, fall prevention, safe mobility practices, mental health support, caregiver education, and the importance of regular follow-up and healthcare utilization. Patients requiring further evaluation or specialized care are referred to the Medical Officer for appropriate management.
We express our sincere gratitude to the Kuttoor Grama Panchayat and the staff of Kuttoor Family Primary Health Centre for their continued support and encouragement in conducting this ongoing programme. We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to Sr. Mayukha, Associate Professor, Department of Community Health Nursing, and Dr. Jeena Kunjachen, Assistant Professor, Department of Community Health Nursing, for their constant guidance, encouragement, and supervision throughout the planning and implementation of this ongoing programme. Their invaluable support and mentorship continue to enrich our learning experience and contribute significantly to the effective functioning of the Palliative Care Clinic.
