Abstract

During the last decades we have witnessed a progressive aging of the general population and a higher prevalence of chronic disease. This fact along with the appearance of infectious diseases like AIDS, anticipates that more patients will benefit from comprehensive palliative care. The objective of this article is to propose a simple, integral and effective method of emotional support to the patient, family and health team in palliative care (PC). PC receives little attention in medical schools, despite the great impact it has on standard health practice and quality of life of patients and their families. Our proposed method, counselling, has been empirically studied and proven to be an effective therapeutic tool in promoting behavioural changes that favour the outcome of many conditions. We believe that it facilitates PC practice, promoting direct conversation and identifying issues that can potentially cause suffering to the patients. It is based on the patient's autonomy, considers his multiple dimensions, uses and stimulates patient's own resources and coping strategies, to improve quality of life