Dietetics:NutritionCare/Coping With Death and Suffering in Year 5 2022
Relevance of topic to dietetics student learning
Relevant ICDEP Competencies(v3.0)
- 2.02 → Act ethically and with integrity
- 2.04 → Employ a client-centered approach
- 2.11 → Practice within limits of current personal level of professional knowledge and skills
Summary of key principles
- The role of the dietitian depends on the area of work as patient interaction varies:
- Dietitian in dialysis: Strong relationships, ⅓ of patients pass as it is palliative care
- Intern in acute care: Little patient interaction as high turnover, patient attachment can be limited this way
- Dietitian in long-term care: Build relationships with families of patients and share their grief
- Those who work closely with death include dietitians in:
- Palliative care
- Seniors care
- Cancer, neonatal units
- Cater your position to your experience
- How well can you handle this area?
- Often we must speak to patients when they are in pain or suffering, regardless of timing
- Important to learn the language regardless of your position and involvement
Some Healthy Coping Strategies
| Reach out for support | Practice non-judgement | Positive daily readings | Talk to a friend |
| Colouring Sheets | Journaling | Get active outside | Watch a movie |
| Deep breathing | Hot bath/shower | Crafts | Crosswords andpuzzles |
| Listen to body signals | Abstain from alcohol | Meditative yoga | Walk in Nature |
| Gentle Stretching | Garden | Get a massage | Go swimming |
| Knit | Cook | See a Counselor | Group therapy |
| Play with a pet | Sing | Body care (i.e. manicure/pedicure) | Meditate |
| Read a good book | Practice Mindfulness | Prayer | Affirmation Cards |
| Yoga | Guided Meditation | Volunteer | Go to a place of worship |
Presentation Slideset
File:480 2022 Coping with Suffering and Death presentation slideset March 11 2022.pdf
These slides were used during the group session on March 8th 2022 and are not intended as a stand alone resource
Jamboard with feedback from presentation
Resources for Mental Health Support
- BC Bereavement helpline: https://www.bcbh.ca/sgevents.php?pID=19
- Anywhere in BC 1-800-SUICIDE: 1-800-784-2433
- Mental Health Support Line: 310-6789
- Vancouver Coastal Regional Distress Line: 604-872-3311
- Sunshine Coast/Sea to Sky: 1-866-661-3311
- Seniors Distress Line: 604-872-1234
- Online Chat Service for Youth: www.YouthInBC.com (Noon to 1am)
- Online Chat Service for Adults: www.CrisisCentreChat.ca (Noon to 1am)
- To find a clinical counselor in BC: https://bcacc.ca/
- Check with health insurance provider for possible mental health support coverage
Resources for Further Learning
- Grief and Grieving - HealthlinkBC
- Worden’s Tasks - Psychology Today
- What is trauma-informed care? - Trauma-Informed Care Implementation Resource Center
- “Thanatology (DEATH & DYING) with Cole Imperi” - Ologies Podcast
- A comedic and oddly reassuring discussion about death and dying from a person who studies it and is present during the death and grieving process for many people
- Shared by Karen Giesbrecht, RD
- Kristen Neff (Self Compassion)
- Atlas of the Heart by Brené Brown
- With the End in Mind: Dying, Death, and Wisdom in an Age of Denial by Dr. Kathryn Mannix
- “How to have tender conversations” - White Coat, Black Art CBC Podcast (interview with Dr. Kathryn Mannix)
- Upside by Jim Rendon
- Explores post-traumatic growth
Student authors
Lisa Leslie, Kimberly Lam, Emma Gilchrist, Mackenzie Tarasoff, Kyra Blair, Nami MacLellan
March 2022