Palliative care is a unique medical specialty that takes a holistic, integrated approach to provide patients with relief of symptoms and to cope with the stress of a serious or life-limiting illness.
Deeper dive
A palliative team is comprised of a wide array of professionals, including the palliative physician, nurse, social worker, chaplain, and pharmacist. Palliation consists of comprehensive care provided to patients with life-limiting illnesses and should not be considered an alternative to failed life-prolonging care. This team works together with the patient and their family on common treatment goals, managing the patient’s pain, easing transition from one setting to another and addressing the family’s concerns.
Palliative care does not have to wait until the patient is in hospice or dying. It is appropriate at any age and at any stage in a serious illness and can be provided along with curative treatment. It can help to manage symptoms such as nausea, shortness of breath, fatigue, depression, and sleep issues; it also provides a way for patients to exert more control over their own care by improving understanding of treatment options and working collaboratively to determine treatment goals. It is a common misconception that palliative care only concentrates on physical needs. In reality, it is a broad approach, which assesses psychological, cultural, ethical, legal, psychiatric, religious, and social needs as well.