There’s apparently nothing ChatGPT doesn’t have an answer for, including plotting the perfect exit when your number is finally over.
AI software offers a detailed answer on how humans can achieve a successful death, citing five things he says are important to dying well, but does a real-life expert trained in how to offer comfort and support in the final days of life agree with his ideas? a person?
This week, Marie Curie, the UK’s leading end-of-life charity, teamed up with other charities, including Hospice UK, National Bereavement Alliance, Sue Ryder and Together for Short Lives, to urge political leaders to improve the care offered to the dying and their loved ones. some.
A Marie Curie employee outside Parliament this week; The UK’s leading end-of-life care charity has joined forces with companies such as Sue Ryder and Hospice UK to demand that the government does more to stop people dying in poverty and pain.
The charity, which is asking people to sign a petition to “fix” end-of-life care issues, including everything from physical comfort to mental health and financial problems, says: “Across the Kingdom United, people are dying in pain, in poverty and alone.” The next general election has to be a turning point for the terminally ill and the bereaved.’
So how can you ensure that you or someone you love dies “well” when the time comes?
MailOnline asked Dr Laura Chapman, consultant in palliative medicine at Marie Curie Hospice in Liverpool, what she thinks of AIThe manuscript of For a Perfect Death and how your own advice might differ:
WHAT IS PERFECT DEATH, ACCORDING TO AI
What ChatGPT says: ‘The idea of a “perfect death” can be quite subjective, as it means different things to different people. However, there are some common themes that many people find important when thinking about the end of their life.
Ultimately, the concept of a perfect death is deeply personal and can vary greatly from person to person. It is important to consider what would be meaningful and comforting to you and communicate your wishes to your loved ones and healthcare providers.
Additionally, seeking support from counselors, spiritual advisors, or doulas at the end of life can help navigate this sensitive and important process.
REAL-LIFE EXPERT OPINION: On the introduction of ChatGPT, Dr. Chapman says: “Well, I’m already impressed with the emotional capabilities of AI; as it is true, death, death and grief are unique and personal to everyone who experiences them.”
“There is no right or wrong way to spend the last months or moments of life, and as the UK’s leading end-of-life charity, we are here to help people with any illness they may die from. to help them try to achieve the death they consider. ‘perfect’ for them.’
Below, ChatGPT selects five things that the software considers important to die well; We asked Dr. Chapman what she thinks about it:
TRANQUILLITY
What ChatGPT says: ‘Many people hope for a peaceful death, free of pain and suffering. This could involve having access to palliative care and pain management services to ensure comfort.’
REAL-LIFE EXPERT OPINION: “I agree with the sentiment of the answer yes, but the sad reality that AI has not captured is that currently, in the UK, due to a broken and underfunded system, thousands and thousands of people are dying in pain. preventable. without proper care, support, medication and symptom treatment, forcing them to suffer at home or go to A&E.’
He continues: “It doesn’t seem right to me that we live in a world with things like AI technology and yet, right now in the UK, 1 in 4 people die without the care and support they need in their life. beautiful ending.” months and days of life.’
PREPARATION
What ChatGPT says: “Some find comfort in preparing for death by putting their affairs in order, such as writing a will, making funeral arrangements, and communicating their wishes to loved ones.”
REAL-LIFE EXPERT OPINION: ‘Once again, this robot has something in common! I couldn’t agree more: communicating clearly with those around you about what matters most to you is absolutely key. Having open and honest conversations about death can really help make those last moments exactly how you want them to be.
Dr. Laura Chapman has worked in palliative care for more than two decades.
“It is important that your wishes are not only communicated verbally to those closest to you, but also recorded in writing so that, when the time comes, everyone involved in your care has a clear guide to your wishes, preferences and What matters most is how you approach the end of your life, even when you can no longer communicate it yourself.
‘We call this advance care planning (ACP), and it can include decisions about where you want to die, what treatment you do or don’t want, as well as things like funeral plans and what happens to your body after you die.
‘We encourage people to make their ACP as detailed and holistic as possible, for example what music do you like to listen to or, perhaps more importantly, what music motivates you? Are there foods you love or hate? Who would you like to visit you in your last days? What would you like to happen to your pets?
For many people, thinking about what is important to them can help them feel more in control, at peace and able to live life as fully as possible until they die.’
CONNECTION AND REFLECTION
What ChatGPT says:
Connection: “For some, a perfect death means being surrounded by loved ones and having the opportunity to say goodbye.”
Reflection: “Others may find peace by reflecting on their life and bringing closure to any unresolved issues or regrets.”
REAL-LIFE EXPERT OPINION: “Having been a palliative care doctor for over 25 years, I think what AI doesn’t convey here is how linked these two end-of-life concepts are.
‘I think connection and reflection can be equally important at the end of life, as people often reflect on those around them or those they wish were around them.
‘Death can bring people together and is a genuine moment of contemplation of the lives we have lived and those we have met along the journey.
“In hospice we often see families reunite after many years of conflict or simply drifting apart, it is wonderful to see them come back together at this time.”
SPIRITUALITY
What ChatGPT says: “For those who are religious or spiritual, finding solace in their faith and beliefs can be an important aspect of a perfect death.”
REAL LIFE EXPERT OPINION: “Spiritual care is an important, if sometimes overlooked, part of palliative care, and I disagree with AI’s response in this case: it is equally important for people who have no beliefs or do not follow a religion.” in particular.
‘Having a terminal illness often leads people to think about their lives in new ways, even if they had not considered themselves a spiritual or religious person in the past.
“In all of our hospices we have specialists such as chaplains, spiritual care coordinators, counselors, psychologists and social workers, to help our patients and their loved ones navigate this part of their journey.”
THE VERDICT: CAN AI HELP US DIE WELL?
ChatGPT and other AI software could help people be more open-minded about end-of-life care, says Dr. Chapman
Dr Chapman says: ‘I will say that overall I am impressed with the themes that AI has brought to the fore about perfect death.
‘One thing I will reiterate is the subjectivity of the “perfect death” and how different it will be for everyone. Dying and dying is not a simple checklist, and your individual desires must be paramount.
“I think the accessibility of ChatGPT and AI will help people break away from the more ‘taboo’ topics like death and dying, and I’m a big advocate of this.
“People often look for answers in times like this and I think overall AI is a useful tool that will hopefully lead to more real-life discussions and prompt people to seek the support they need.”
‘Access to palliative care is something we are intensely passionate about here at Marie Curie, whether in one of our hospices or palliative care provided at home, we believe it should be an absolute right for everyone. No matter the disease, no matter where.
For more information about Marie Curie’s petition, visit bit.ly/MarieCurieGE
