Cicely Saunders

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.

• 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

This phenomenal nurse, social worker, and doctor altered the approach to end-of-life care, incorporating humanity, dignity, and comfort.

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.

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.

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.