PEPSI COLA

The PEPSI COLA framework provides a systematic approach to planning and reviewing care for individuals in a palliative care setting. It emphasizes a holistic and multidimensional assessment to ensure all aspects of a person’s needs are met as they approach the end of their life.

  • P – Physical
  • E – Emotional
  • P – Personal
  • S – Social
  • I – Informational
  • C – Control
  • O – Organizational
  • L – Late
  • A – Aftercare

Here’s a breakdown of the PEPSI COLA framework:

  1. P – Physical
    • Addressing symptoms such as pain, breathlessness, fatigue, nausea, constipation, and other physical manifestations of the disease.
    • Considering issues related to mobility, sleep, nutrition, and other physical care needs.
  2. E – Emotional
    • Recognizing and managing emotions such as fear, anxiety, sadness, or anger.
    • Offering psychological support and interventions.
  3. P – Personal
    • Addressing the individual’s religious and spiritual journey
    • Quality of life
    • Patient’s/Carer’s agenda
  4. S – Social
    • Considering the patient’s social environment, including relationships, social support, and living conditions.
    • Addressing any challenges related to caregiving, financial concerns, or other social factors.
  5. I – Informational
    • Ensuring the patient and their family have adequate information about the disease, prognosis, treatment options, and what to expect.
    • Providing resources and educational materials as needed.
  6. C – Control
    • Respecting and addressing the cultural beliefs, customs, and values of the patient and their family.
    • Being aware of any cultural practices or rituals related to end-of-life care.
    • Where to die
    • Ensuring the patient’s rights are upheld.
  7. O – Organizational
    • Addressing legal issues, such as
      • advanced care planning
      • wills
      • power of attorney or
      • guardianship
    • Ensuring that care is coordinated and that all members of the multidisciplinary team are involved as appropriate.
    • Addressing any logistical issues, such as service provision, equipment needs, or care transitions.
    • Out of hours care
  8. L – Late
    • Terminal care – injectables and syringe driver if dying at home
    • Comfort measures and spiritual care
  9. A – Aftercare
    • Bereavement followup
    • Family support

The PEPSI COLA framework provides a comprehensive approach to palliative care, ensuring that all dimensions of a person’s well-being are considered and addressed. Using this framework can help healthcare professionals provide comprehensive and person-centered care to those in the palliative phase of their illness.