Purpose & Scope

Purpose: The purpose of this BPG is to provide evidence-based recommendations to nurses and the interprofessional health team who support adults (18 years and older) experiencing the last 12 months of a progressive life-limiting illness, their families and their caregivers. The goals of the recommendations are to: (a) improve delivery of psychosocial, spiritual and culturally safe care; (b) enhance coordination of care; and (c) facilitate supportive work environments.

Scope: This BPG is applicable to all practice settings where persons and families require palliative care and end-of-life care (e.g., acute care, community care, and long-term care). Specifically, this BPG will focus on persons experiencing the last 12 months of progressive life-limiting illness and their families. It will address the following areas:

The following conditions and topics are not covered within the scope of this BPG:

NOTE: Nurses and the interprofessional health team are required to have basic skills, training and competencies in palliative care in order to implement the recommendations of this BPG.

The recommendations within this BPG are meant to be implemented as part of a holistic approach to care, as outlined in Figure 2: Domains of Issues Associated with Illness and Bereavement.