Application of Four Noble Truths in Preparation before Death for End-Stage Cancer Patients at Ban Fang Hospital, Ban Fang District, Khon Kaen Province.

Abstract

This thesis had the following objectives 1) to study the preparation before death of patients with end-stage cancer at Ban Fang Hospital, Ban Fang District, Khon Kean Province, 2) to study the principle of the Four Noble Truths appearing in Theravada Buddhist scriptures and 3) to apply of the Four Noble Truths in preparation before death the end-stage cancer patients, Ban Fang Hospital, Ban Fang District, Khon Kean Province. It was a qualitative study focusing on studying various documents, including the Tripitaka, Commentary, textbooks, and related research. Data was collected from actual experiences in the practice. It also involved reviewing guidelines for palliative care, analyzing the obtained data, and creating conclusions and a descriptive presentation.

     The results of the research indicated the following: 1) Preparation for the death of patients with terminal cancer at Ban Fang Hospital, Ban Fang District, Khon Kaen Province involved preparation in three dimensions: (1)  physical by understanding the palliative care process, (2)  mental and spirituality by understanding the process of accepting the facts of life, and (3), social aspect by understanding the context which had family and environment . It was in the process of the role of the hospital's palliative care team. Therefore it was the last hope of life in relieving various sufferings. 2) The Four Noble Truths that appear in Theravada Buddhism were found to be a true process of solving problems and ending suffering. (1) Dukkha Knowing the problem, (2) Samudaya Knowing the cause, 3) Nirodha Knowing the gold, 4) Path Knowing the method, and 3) Application of the Four Noble Truths in preparing before dying with patients with terminal cancer Ban Fang Hospital, Ban Fan District, Khon Kaen Province. As a result, patients know and understand life and death. The quality of the last days of life was improved from 4 steps: 1) the process of creating acceptance of the truths, 2)the process of creating an understanding of life and suffering, 3) adjusting the balance of life, and 4) adjusting to suffering by with understanding.