ABSTRACT
A Thanatology Program is designed primarily to offer additional dimensions of quality care to patients and families who need help in dealing with the emotional stresses and social factors that affect their adjustment to hospitalization and terminal illness. A Thanatology Program is a well-planned, coordinated, multidisciplinary activity designed to offer skilled, appropriate and consistent supportive treatment to terminal patients and their families. The primary goal of a Thanatology Program is to help patients and families communicate their feelings; to alleviate stressful and strained relationships; to provide the patient and family the opportunity to support each other, not leaving things undone and thoughts unsaid. Helping the dying patient and his family is an area of practice that demands the highest calibre of professional discipline and skill. A Thanatology Program is designed to help the staff increase its awareness and sensitivity to the needs of the dying patient and the family.
