Saattohoito

Saattohoito, in Finnish, refers to end-of-life or palliative care provided to people with life-limiting illnesses or at the final stages of life. The approach prioritizes comfort and quality of life over curative treatment, aiming to relieve symptoms and support daily functioning. Saattohoito may be initiated when a prognosis suggests death within weeks or months and can be delivered in various settings, including the patient's home, hospital, or hospice.

The goals of saattohoito include alleviating physical symptoms such as pain, breathlessness, nausea, and fatigue, while also addressing psychological, social, and spiritual needs. Care is planned in partnership with the patient and family, emphasizing autonomy, dignity, and alignment of treatment with the patient's values and preferences.

Delivery relies on a multidisciplinary team that may involve physicians, nurses, social workers, pharmacists, therapists, chaplains, and trained volunteers. Care plans are regularly reviewed and updated, with emphasis on advance care planning, medication management, and non-pharmacological measures to improve comfort and communication across care settings.

Saattohoito is a component of palliative care and is distinct from euthanasia or physician-assisted dying, which are not part of saattohoito in Finland. The approach also emphasizes support for families and caregivers and seeks continuity of care as patients transition between home, hospital, and hospice environments.