What is Palliative Care?

Palliative care is a specialized area of healthcare that focuses on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of a serious illness. The goal is to improve the quality of life for both the patient and the family. It is a multidisciplinary approach that involves a team of medical professionals, including doctors, nurses, social workers, and chaplains, who work together to provide an extra layer of support. It is appropriate at any age and at any stage of a serious illness and can be provided along with curative treatment. 

• The term "palliative" comes from the Latin word "palliare" which means to cloak or to ease.

• It is not about curing the disease, but rather about managing the symptoms and side effects to improve the patient's quality of life. 

Palliative care focuses on four main areas:

• Physical symptoms - may include pain, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, and insomnia.

• Emotional support - may include depression, anxiety, and fear.

• Social support -  may involve financial impact, caregiver stress, and navigating the healthcare system

• Spiritual needs -  may involve finding meaning, purpose, and hope in the face of a serious illness.

• Care is personalized to each patient 

The care plan may include:  

• Medications to manage symptoms 

• Counseling or psychotherapy to help with emotional issues 

• Social services to help with financial and logistical issues 

• Spiritual care to help the patient find meaning and purpose  

Palliative care vs Hospice care:

• Hospice care is specifically for patients who are near the end of life, typically within the last six months

• Palliative care can be provided at any stage of a serious illness, even from the time of diagnosis 

• Palliative care can be provided alongside curative treatment, with the goal of improving the patient's quality of life and helping them tolerate their treatment better 

In conclusion, palliative care is a holistic, patient-centered approach to healthcare that focuses on managing the symptoms and stress of a serious illness. It involves a team of medical professionals who work together to address the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs of the patient and their family. It is about improving quality of life, providing emotional support, and helping patients and their families make informed decisions about their care.