Physiotherapy in Palliative Care

Terminal illnesses (Cancer and staging, full blown AIDS); Common health problems in terminally ill patients- Pain syndromes, Gastrointestinal, respiratory, neurological and urinary symptoms; Psycho-social issues. Specific health problems to specific conditions – Post mastectomy oedema in breast cancer, paraplegia in prostate cancer, swallowing problems in sub-mandibular cancer etc. Philosophy of palliative care. Ethical issues in palliative care. Pain control in terminally ill patients; Pharmacologic management of cancer pain; Roles of radiotherapy, chemotherapy and surgery in palliation. Role of Physiotherapy in the care of terminally ill patients. Communication skills; Death and dying; Spiritual support; Bereavement. Palliative care organisations in Nigeria and Africa (Uganda)