Slutstadiet

Slutstadiet is a term used in Swedish to describe the terminal or final phase of a progressive or life-threatening illness. It denotes a period in which curative treatment is no longer pursued and the focus shifts to comfort, symptom management, and quality of life. Although commonly used in medical, nursing, and palliative care contexts, slutstadiet is not a formal diagnostic category; rather, it reflects a phase in the disease trajectory.

In practice, slutstadiet can apply to a range of conditions, including cancer, advanced dementia, organ failure, neurodegenerative diseases, and other chronic illnesses. The course and duration are highly variable and individualized. Signs may include decreasing functional capacity, reduced oral intake, increasing dependence on caregivers, changes in consciousness or communication, and a higher symptom burden. Management emphasizes symptom control, psychosocial and spiritual support, advance care planning, and clear communication with patients and families. Multidisciplinary teams, including palliative care specialists, are often involved.

Prognosis in the slutstadiet is unpredictable; the period can last days to weeks or, less commonly, months. The usage of the term can vary by country, region, or institution, and some clinicians favor more precise terms such as end-of-life phase or terminal illness for clarity.

See also: terminal illness, palliative care, end-of-life care, hospice, advance care planning.