The Model of Palliative Care in Poland from the Perspective of People at the End of Life and Their Carers: Preliminary Issues

Abstract

Abstract The aim of this article is to reflect on the model of palliative care in Poland from the perspectives of a person at the end of life and their carers. A large part of the considerations is focused on terminological issues, the presentation of which is extremely important, because not only does it illustrate the evolution in the approach to palliative care, but it also defines the personal aspect of support related to the person at the end of life and their carer. An extremely important element of the article is the presentation, based on the current legal status, of the basic assumptions of palliative care in Poland by showing the forms of support addressed not only to people at the end of their lives, but also to their carers. It should be emphasized here that this care should take on a holistic dimension, going beyond the legal and institutional sphere, hence some of the considerations are also devoted to social, spiritual, emotional or information support, which from the point of view of these people is also extremely important. The article also attempts to indicate specific normative solutions requiring intervention by the legislature, due to the demographic and epidemic challenges facing the Polish state.