Delve into an in-depth exploration of Cicely Saunders, a monumental figure in the realm of nursing, with a particular focus on her profound impact on hospice care. This comprehensive review covers Saunders' impressive biography, unique vision for nursing, and her considerable literary contributions. Uncover how Dame Cicely Saunders revolutionised care for the dying and transformed modern nursing theories. The legacy of Saunders' seminal work continues to influence the field today, shaping the future of palliative care research. A fascinating read for anyone interested in the history and progression of nursing, centred on the remarkable legacy of Cicely Saunders.
Who is Cicely Saunders?
Cicely Saunders is a significant figure in the nursing world. She is known as the founder of the modern hospice movement, providing a new approach to end-of-life care. Additionally, she contributed to the discipline of nursing through academic advancements and practical applications.
Hospice care is a type of health care that focuses on the palliation of a terminally ill patient's pain and symptoms and attending to their emotional and spiritual needs at the end of life.
Cicely Saunders Biography - Early Life and Education
Saunders was born on 22nd June 1918 in Barnet, Hertfordshire, England. The daughter of a prosperous businessman, she had a privileged upbringing and was educated at Roedean School. Her initial career path was not in the medical field; instead, she pursued political sciences at St Anne’s College in Oxford. However, with the outbreak of World War II, Saunders decided to train as a nurse with the Nightingale Training School at St Thomas Hospital in London.
Career and Contributions to Nursing of Cicely Saunders
Saunders' career path took many turns, providing her with diverse experiences which became essential in the establishment of the modern hospice movement. She began her nursing career during the Second World War, and later decided to become a medical social worker, principally dealing with terminally ill patients.
This shift in her career gave her direct exposure to the patients' emotional and social struggles, further exposing her to the need for a more holistic approach to end-of-life care.
- She worked with dying patients at St Luke’s Home for the Dying Poor in Bayswater, London.
- In the mid-1950s, Saunders embarked on a six-year journey to study medicine at St Thomas Hospital.
- After becoming a doctor, she developed what later became known as total pain management, a cornerstone of the hospice philosophy.
Dame Cicely Saunders - Recognition and Titles
Saunders' radical contribution to improving end-of-life care was recognized by numerous awards and recognitions. In 1965, she opened St Christopher’s Hospice in London, the first hospice linking expert pain and symptom control, holistic care, teaching, and clinical research.
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| 1965 |
Opening of St Christopher's Hospice, London |
| 1981 |
Named Dame of the British Empire |
| 2001 |
Received Order of Merit |
Dame Cicely Saunders passed away in 2005; however, her legacy continues to shape the hospice movement worldwide. Today, there are more than 200 hospices throughout the UK and many more worldwide that follow her approach and philosophy.
Understanding Cicely Saunders' Approach to Nursing
To truly understand Dame Cicely Saunders and her influence on nursing, it is essential to delve into her unique viewpoint on patient care and the philosophy that underpins it. Saunders' nursing approach was based on offering palliative care to patients, focusing on keeping them comfortable and controlling their symptoms until their death. She believed that death is a normal part of life and should be faced with dignity and respect.
Cicely Saunders' View on the Care of the Dying
Cicely Saunders developed a unique approach to the care of dying patients, which she often referred to as "holistic care". She emphasized not only the physical symptoms of a patient but also their emotional, social, and spiritual needs as well.
Holistic care is a comprehensive form of care that involves treating the person as a whole including not only their physical health but also their mental, emotional, social, and spiritual well-being.
Key elements of Saunders' view on the care of the dying involve:
- Recognizing death as a normal process.
- Providing relief from distressing symptoms.
- Integrating the psychological and spiritual aspects of patient care.
- Offering a support system to help patients live as actively as possible until death.
- Providing a support system to help the family cope during the patient's illness and in their bereavement.
For example, a patient with terminal cancer would receive pain management and symptom control for physical comfort, counselling for emotional support, family meetings for social aid, and perhaps pastoral care to address spiritual concerns.
Cicely Saunders and the Development of Hospice Care
Cicely Saunders played a pivotal role in the development of hospice care. Prior to her work, hospice was traditionally a place where travellers, not the sick, could find comfort and shelter. Saunders transformed this by establishing hospices as places where the terminally ill could spend their final days in comfort and dignity.
| 1967 |
Opening of St Christopher's Hospice, the world's first purpose-built hospice. |
| 1974 |
Introduction of the specialty of palliative medicine in the UK. |
| 1987 |
Establishment of the first hospice in the USA. |
Influence of Cicely Saunders on Modern Nursing Theories
Saunders' influence extends far beyond the walls of St Christopher's Hospice. Her holistic and compassionate approach inspired new theories and methodologies in nursing. Her emphasis on holistic care, addressing physical, emotional, and spiritual needs, has shaped the field of nursing and continues to do so today.
Contributions include:
- Total Pain Management: Saunders firmly believed in managing all aspects of a patient’s pain, including the emotional and psychological dimension.
- Palliative Care Nursing Practices: This theory focuses on optimizing the quality of life by anticipating, preventing, and treating suffering.
- The Case for Hospice Care: Saunders called for a re-evaluation of the way society approaches dying people, championing the idea of holistic care in a hospice setting.
Today, many nursing theories and models aim at enhancing holistic, patient-centred care, respect for diversity, and understanding of the broader aspects of a patient's well-being, all of which are principles in Saunders' approach to care.
Exploring Cicely Saunders' Literary Contributions
Cicely Saunders was not only a diligent medical practitioner but also a prolific writer. She authored several seminal books that have immensely contributed to the field of nursing, hospice care, and palliative medicine. These works provide deep insight into her observations, thoughts, and particularly her discoveries in patient comfort and dignity at the end of life.
Overview of Cicely Saunders' Books
Cicely Saunders authored a number of pivotal books in her lifetime, each one aiming at transforming the care received by patients at the end of life. She showcased her empathetic approach to patient care, along with her practical application of this approach.
- Care of the Dying: This book provides a detailed overview of Saunders' approach to the needs of the dying, addressing both the physical and psychological aspects.
- Beyond Pain: This publication captures her journey in encountering and managing the distressing symptoms that patients experience in their final stages.
- Living with Dying: This book elaborates on how to enhance the quality of life for individuals who are dying and their families by integrating palliative medicine.
In "Living with Dying", Cicely Saunders presented clinical studies, reports, and patient narratives to demonstrate the application of her philosophy. She details the management of symptoms, pain relief techniques, and the A to Zs of assisting a patient to live as actively and comfortably as possible.
How Cicely Saunders’ Works Have Influenced Nursing Education
The literary contributions of Cicely Saunders have not only influenced the world of medical care for the terminally ill, but they have also permeated the sphere of nursing education. Today, her works hold undeniable value, globally-recognized, integrated into nursing education programs to train future generations of nursing professionals.
Nursing Education refers to the teaching of the knowledge and skills required to become a nurse. This includes theoretical knowledge about diseases, medicines, anatomy, and physiology, along with practical skills such as dressing injuries, administering medication, and providing palliative care. It's typically provided through diploma programs, associate degrees, baccalaureate programs, or postgraduate degrees in nursing.
Sauners' works shape nursing education in several ways:
- Her texts provide a foundational understanding of palliative and hospice care and lay the basis for compassionate patient interaction.
- They supplement theoretical knowledge with real-world examples highlighting the practical application of theory.
- They introduce critical thinking skills by encouraging readers to reflect on the complex needs of dying patients.
Cicely Saunders Institute - Advancements in Palliative Care Research
The Cicely Saunders Institute (CSI), named in honour of Dame Cicely Saunders, is a testament to her significant contributions to the field of palliative care. It is a leading global community providing groundbreaking research, high-quality education, and exceptional clinical services in palliative care.
| 2010 |
Opening of Cicely Saunders Institute, the world's first institute for palliative care. |
| Since 2010 |
CSI has continuously pushed the boundaries of palliative care research, improving clinical practice, and influencing policy worldwide. |
The Institute's multidisciplinary team of experts collaborate on extensive research into complex diseases, pain, breathlessness, rehabilitation, and the needs of families and carers. Their findings are critically essential in shaping policy, practice and future developments in palliative care.
Further enhancing its influence, the Institute hosts an educational programme that trains the next generation of palliative care leaders, following Saunders' footsteps to improve care for those facing life-threatening illness. This forms a continuous cycle, allowing Saunders' works to remain relevant and vital in current and future palliative care practices.
The Legacy of Cicely Saunders
Dame Cicely Saunders' substantial legacy in nursing and hospice care continues to echo around the world, much after her death. Her unique approach ushered an era of modern hospice care that places the patient at the centre and views the grieving process with empathy, respect and dignity.
Key Achievements of Cicely Saunders in Hospice Care
Cicely Saunders led a remarkable career that resulted in many key achievements, shaping the landscape of nursing and hospice care. These accomplishments include not only personal milestones but also the development and advancement of hospice care methodologies and practices.
| 1958 |
Conceptualised “Total Pain,” a holistic view encompassing physical, emotional, social, and spiritual aspects of patient suffering. |
| 1967 |
Established St Christopher’s Hospice, the first research and teaching hospice linking expert pain and symptom control. |
| 1994 |
Introduced the Leeds Scales, a method for objective assessment of the intensity of pain experienced by terminally ill patients. |
This phenomenal nurse, social worker, and doctor altered the approach to end-of-life care, incorporating humanity, dignity, and comfort.
For instance, the principle of "total pain," a term coined by Saunders, has become a cornerstone in palliative care, acknowledging the multidimensional nature of a patient's suffering at the end of life.
How Cicely Saunders Revolutionised Care for the Dying
The philosophies and practices developed by Cicely Saunders revolutionised the care for the dying, providing a radical approach that has been adopted globally.
This revolution came about through her impetus to shift the focus from the illness itself to the distress caused by the illness, professionally termed as "palliative care". This is a different approach from "curative care" which focuses on healing the disease rather than dealing with its symptoms.
Her contributions revolutionised care for the dying in the following ways:
- Shifted the focus from disease treatment to symptom control and quality of life.
- Fostered a holistic approach encompassing physical, emotional, social and spiritual aspects of the patient.
- Advocated for patient autonomy and active participation in decisions about their own care.
- Emphasised the importance of the bereavement process for family members.
Saunders' philosophy underscores that dying should not be viewed solely as a medical event but a holistic process, engaging multiple aspects of human existence. This shift in perception ultimately led to the holistic perspective of patient care that is core to nursing practice today.
Continuation of Cicely Saunders' Legacy Today
The concepts and philosophies that Cicely Saunders introduced are not historic static points; rather, they continue to evolve, adapt, and influence modern nursing practices.
Below are ways her legacy continues to thrive:
- Steady growth of hospices globally that adopt Saunders' patient-focused philosophy.
- Progressive incorporation of palliative care principles in mainstream medical and nursing care.
- Continuing exploratory research at the Cicely Saunders Institute, named in her memory.
- Inclusion of her works and philosophy in nursing education around the world.
The Cicely Saunders Institute, in London, is the world’s first purpose-built institute for research and teaching of palliative care. It carries forward Saunders' legacy, pioneering research in symptom management, rehabilitation, and the needs and experiences of patients and their families.
The importance of her legacy is profound. It continues to inspire improvements in care for the terminally ill, ensuring they live the end of their lives in comfort and dignity. The work of Saunders motivates continual advancements in nursing perspectives, focusing on the humaneness essential in caring for the dying.
Cicely Saunders - Key takeaways
- Dame Cicely Saunders was a nurse, medical social worker, and doctor who played a pivotal role in the establishment of the modern hospice movement.
- She emphasized a holistic approach to end-of-life care, addressing not just the physical but also the emotional, social and spiritual needs of terminally ill patients.
- Cicely Saunders opened St Christopher’s Hospice in London in 1965, the first hospice linking expert pain and symptom control, holistic care, teaching, and clinical research.
- She authored several books such as "Care of the Dying", "Beyond Pain", and "Living with Dying" that have greatly contributed to the field of nursing and palliative care.
- The Cicely Saunders Institute (CSI), named in her honour, continues her work by providing groundbreaking research, education, and clinical services in palliative care.
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