What is Palliative Care?

Palliative care is a specialized medical approach aimed at relieving symptoms and stress for people living with a serious illness. Its primary goal is to enhance the quality of life for both patients and their families by focusing on comfort, rather than cure, and managing pain, discomfort, and other distressing symptoms.

This care is delivered by a multidisciplinary team of doctors, nurses, social workers, and other specialists who work alongside a patient’s current care providers. Palliative treatment can be introduced at any stage of illness and is not limited by prognosis, meaning it can accompany curative treatments. ^1,2

Goals & Benefits of Palliative Care

The overarching goal of palliative care is to improve a patient’s overall comfort and well-being by addressing all aspects of their health, not just their illness. One of the primary focuses is symptom management, which helps alleviate pain, fatigue, nausea, shortness of breath, and other physical symptoms that can accompany serious conditions.

Beyond symptom management, palliative care significantly contributes to improving quality of life. It takes a holistic approach, addressing not just physical pain but also emotional and spiritual well-being. This comprehensive support helps patients find comfort, peace, and dignity, enabling them to live as actively as possible despite their illness.

In addition to benefiting the patient, palliative care provides support for family caregivers. These specially trained teams offer emotional guidance and practical assistance, helping families navigate difficult decisions and easing the caregiving burden. By offering both respite and expert resources, palliative care empowers families to better support their loved ones without becoming overwhelmed. ^1,2

Who Can Benefit from Palliative Care?

Palliative care can support individuals of any age living with serious or life-threatening conditions, including:

Cancer and blood disorders (e.g., cancer, blood and bone marrow disorders requiring stem cell transplants)

Neurological conditions (e.g., Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Multiple sclerosis (MS), stroke)

Heart and lung diseases (e.g., heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis, lung disease)

Liver and kidney diseases (e.g., end-stage liver disease, kidney failure)

Infectious diseases (e.g., HIV & AIDS, complications from COVID-19) ^2,4

Differences from Hospice Care

Though both palliative care and hospice care prioritize comfort and quality of life, they differ significantly. Palliative care can be provided alongside curative treatments at any stage of illness, whereas hospice care is reserved for those nearing the end of life, typically when curative treatment is no longer an option.

Palliative care services can be provided in various settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, outpatient clinics, and even at home. It is designed to offer flexible care wherever the patient feels most comfortable.

Hospice care, similarly, is available in a variety of locations such as at home, in nursing facilities, hospitals, or dedicated hospice centers. Both forms of care are supported by teams of specialists and may be covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance. ³

Key Components of Palliative Care Programs

Palliative care offers a holistic approach to treating serious illness, with a dedicated team working to create personalized care plans that address not only physical symptoms but also the emotional and spiritual well-being of both patients and their families.

Comprehensive Care Team and Coordination

Palliative care is provided by an interdisciplinary team, including doctors, nurses, social workers, and spiritual advisors, who collaborate to address the patient’s medical, emotional, and spiritual needs. Palliative care teams work closely with a patient’s other healthcare providers to ensure seamless care, clear communication, and alignment with the patient’s treatment goals, offering an extra layer of support for both patients and families.

Personalized Care Plans

Each patient’s care plan is carefully tailored to their unique situation, considering their individual needs, preferences, and treatment goals. The palliative care team works closely with patients and families to create personalized care plans that align with what the patient wants, whether it’s symptom management, emotional support, or assistance with medical decisions. This patient-centered approach ensures that treatment choices reflect the patient’s priorities and values, giving them more control over their care.

Emotional and Spiritual Support

Palliative care not only focuses on physical comfort but also addresses the emotional and existential challenges that patients and families may face. Counseling, therapy, and spiritual care play key roles in helping patients cope with the fear, anxiety, and uncertainty that often accompany serious illness. Spiritual advisors, such as chaplains, offer guidance and comfort, helping patients and families navigate difficult emotions and find peace. ^1,2,4

When to Consider Palliative Care

It’s important to consider palliative care early in the course of a serious illness, as it can be integrated alongside curative treatments to enhance overall well-being. Seeking palliative care soon after a serious diagnosis can help patients and families plan for the future and improve their quality of life. Here are some signs that palliative care may be needed:

• Frequent hospitalizations or emergency room visits
• Uncontrolled symptoms, such as pain, nausea, or fatigue
• Difficulty coping with the emotional burden of illness, including anxiety or depression
• A decline in appetite or trouble sleeping

Discussing palliative care programs with your healthcare provider, PCP, or palliative specialist can provide valuable insights about the above matters and help you make informed decisions about your treatment plan. Palliative care specialists can assist with advance care planning, discuss the impact of serious illness on daily life, and help establish goals of care that reflect your wishes. They provide support across various settings, including outpatient clinics, nursing homes, and hospitals, ensuring essential care and support for patients and their families during challenging times. ⁴

References

[1] “Definition of Palliative Care: What Is Palliative Care?” Get Palliative Care, getpalliativecare.org/whatis/. Accessed 26 Sept. 2024.

[2] “Palliative Care.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 6 June 2023, www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/palliative-care/about/pac-20384637.

[3] What Are Palliative Care and Hospice Care? | National Institute on Aging, www.nia.nih.gov/health/hospice-and-palliative-care/what-are-palliative-care-and-hospice-care. Accessed 26 Sept. 2024.

[4] Cleveland Clinic medical. “Palliative Care: What It Is & What’s Included.” Cleveland Clinic, 16 Aug. 2024, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22850-palliative-care.

The information provided in the article is for general informational purposes only. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Accordingly, before taking any actions based upon such information, you are encouraged to consult with the appropriate professionals.