Patients receiving palliative care and their loved ones are confronted by the fact of human mortality. This awareness can have a significant impact on these patients peace of mind and emotional state, as a result of the effects of illness, awareness of impending death, and perhaps fear of death.
The national guideline Existential and Spiritual Aspects of Palliative Care provides insights and tools for recognising and discussing the existential and spiritual questions and needs of patients and their loved ones.