| Palliative Care is care given to improve the quality of life of patients who have a serious or life-threatening disease. The goal of palliative care is to prevent or treat, as early as possible, the symptoms of the disease, side effects caused by treatment of the disease, and psychological, social, and spiritual problems related to the disease or its treatment. This type of care is also called comfort care, supportive care, and symptom management.
Palliative care is provided by an interdisciplinary team. That means that different professionals, including doctors, nurses, social workers, pharmacists, chaplains, and therapists, work together to provide coordinated, comprehensive care. The patient and family are at the center of this care and their goals, preferences, and choices guide the interventions of the team. Palliative care can be part of the treatment of any person with a serious or life-threatening medical condition, where a patient-centered approach, good pain and symptoms control, family involvement and excellent, compassionate care are needed. And, it can be provided at any time throughout the course of the illness from diagnosis through the end of life. Hospice care is a part of palliative care that focuses on addressing the needs of patients and families in the final months of life. |
