Module summary

Conclusion

Some of the key points covered in this module include the following:

  • Someone with a serious illness or condition may experience some common symptoms and concerns that someone with a serious illness or condition may experience. These include emotional, behavioural, and physical concerns.
  • It is important to be able to identify, recognize, and respond to common symptoms the person may experience. Communicating these with their healthcare provider can help to find ways to manage symptoms and support the person in the best way possible.
  • Keeping notes about symptoms with useful tools, such as a symptom tracker, can help you and the person who is ill remember and communicate accurate information.
  • Some common emotional symptoms includeanxiety and depression. The module discusses what they are, possible causes, and how the healthcare provider may assess and provide ways to help the person.
  • Other common symptoms and other health concerns include pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, lack of appetite and loss of weight, nausea and vomiting, constipation, dehydration, swelling, trouble swallowing, and malignant wounds.
  • Families and healthcare providers each play an important role in helping people to remain safely at home for as long as possible.