An overview of Palliative care
A palliative care consultation is a meeting between a palliative care team and a patient or their family to discuss the management of symptoms, improve quality of life, and provide support and advice during the course of a serious illness. It is a collaborative process involving healthcare providers who work together to provide an extra layer of comfort and support alongside other treatments the patient may be receiving. The consultation aims to address the patient's physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs, and develop a personalized plan to achieve these goals. Palliative care can be provided in various settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, or at home.
What is Palliative care used for?
Palliative care is used to provide relief from pain and other symptoms of a serious illness, as well as help individuals cope with side effects from medical treatments. It focuses on enhancing comfort and quality of life for both the patient and their family. Palliative care is offered alongside other treatments a person may be receiving and is provided by a team of healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, social workers, chaplains, and other trained specialists.