Last Word

This book proposes a reflection on what knowledge there is about death. In it, the reader will find a more humanistic view of the topic and will be able to understand it as part of the natural cycle of life. In its chapters, the author follows a logical path so that the reader can understand her point of view on death: she talks about hospital culture, the conditions of the patients and the importance of the decision within that context. In reporting the many different cases which she accompanied, Tércia Soares Sharpe shows, in addition to the many family-related issues, the clinical side and the team's concern for their patient's well-being – something that is seldom commented on. This book is absolutely necessary for health care professionals and for those who seek to gain a better understanding about the end of life.

Death is the only certainty we have in this life. This reality is not depressing; it is just a fact. We learn more about the end of life's cycle, make decisions as the book suggests, and continue to live fully. You do not have to think about it all the time. You just have to prepare; which will guarantee the care and treatments we want to receive when we are close to the end of life. Our family should only honor our decisions, not to decide for us. My life is my most valuable asset; therefore the Last Word in regards to the end of my life, must be mine. The book helps the reader to open their eyes and value time, life, be grateful. After all, we have one chance to live this journey in the best way, with fullness. The decision for palliative care does not mean that the patient has a defined destination. It is an option for people who are diagnosed with a serious chronic illness and a treatment focused on the quality of life of the patient and their family members through the prevention and relief of suffering. To write the book, I appealed to situations I experienced - thinking about my patients and what was important to them at that moment. So the ideas came up and I was selecting the stories to exemplify the themes that I think are important. The idea of ​​registering these cases arose from a recurrent reality in the nurse's routine: often the patient did not have the cognitive conditions to decide which course to take because his physical situation was extremely compromised. The decision-making responsibility about the end of life and treatment possibilities lies with the weakened and emotionally stressed family with the avalanche of bad news. The book proposes to avoid situations like this, so that it is possible to think and decide on the subject while still healthy.

Bachelor's degree in Nursing, Master's degree in Missiology, Specialist in Palliative and Intensive Care, Associated with the ELNEC (End-of-Life Nursing Education Consortium) Research Foundation. In 2012, she received the Award of Excellence offered by ELNEC for her commitment to provide palliative care to critical care patients. With 40 years of experience, aside from having worked with critical care patients, she has also been active within the administrative and educational fields of Nursing in Brazil and in the United States. She founded and Coordinated the End-of-Life program at INOVA Loudon Hospital, VA, for 9 years. In 2013, she received the Innovation Award offered by INOVA Health Systems. She is a writer, speaker and consultant for issues related to the end of life, as well as ELNEC trainer. To find out more about the author, visit www.terciasoaressharpe.com and contact her at contato@terciasoaressharpe.com.