An RCPE event held as part of the Science Festival on Saturday 12 April 2014
Audience: 130
With advances in modern medicine and increased life expectancy, death has become stigmatised as a negative outcome, posing risks for both individuals and society.
This 1.5 hour event was held at the National Museum of Scotland. The remit was to explore what is known about the science of dying, what happens when we die and how this might inform the process of planning for a “good death”. The event was chaired by Dr Kate Henriksen, (Marie Curie Consultant in Palliative Medicine, West Lothian).
Professor of Pathology, David Harrison (University of St Andrews) discussed how our bodies plan for and use dying pathways positively through the process of apoptosis. Illustrations from fetal development and cancer were used to describe how death at a cellular level is both necessary and beneficial. The analogy was continued with necrosis, an unplanned and disease-driven form of cell death associated with pathological processes and worse outcomes when uncontrolled.
Dr Kirsty Boyd, Consultant in Palliative Medicine (Royal infirmary of Edinburgh) explored why a better awareness of when people with advanced illnesses are at risk of deteriorating and dying, together with more open discourse in society and healthcare settings about death and dying are of benefit. It is possible to plan ahead for things that may happen as the person’s health worsens including nominating a Power of Attorney and having electronic Key Information Summaries sent to out-of-hours services. Open discussions about dying and anticipatory care planning can help more people achieve a “good death” that is consistent with their wishes.
There followed a vigorous debate and question session. Several members of the audience had bereavement experiences to share and strongly held opinions about care at the end of life, palliative care and assisted suicide.
