| Palliative Medicine |
Quality of Life
WHAT IS PALLIATIVE CARE?
The aim of palliative (pal–lee–uh–tiv) care is to ease suffering caused by a life-threatening or life-limiting illness or injury. It is a medical specialty with a team approach. You can get palliative care at the same time you get treatments that are meant to cure you.Palliative Medicine Services can:
- Control difficult symptoms like pain, nausea, and shortness-of-breath
- Partner with you and your family to make medical decisions and treatment choices
- Listen and give support at all stages of illness and injury
WHO IS ON THE PALLIATIVE MEDICINE TEAM?
- Doctors
- Advance practice nurses
- Chaplains
- Social workers
- Pharmacists
IS PALLIATIVE CARE THE SAME AS HOSPICE?
No, although the main goal of care is the same: Quality of Life. Hospice care is available for those facing a life-threatening illness who choose to no longer pursue life-prolonging treatment.HOW DO I GET PALLIATIVE CARE?
Ask your doctor for a referral or your doctor may ask us to help with your medical care. The doctor or nurse will meet with you and your family and talk about things like:- What is your understanding of your current condition?
- What is important for you to talk about today?
- What are your hopes and fears?
- Who do you count on for support?
- What else would you like us to know about you?
- What questions do you have for us?
- How can we help with your symptoms?
- How can we help you feel better today?