palliative care

Question 1

what is palliative care

Answer 1

• is specialised medical care for people living with serious illness
• focuses on relief from symptoms and stress
• goal to improve quality of life for both patient and family
• team of medical professionals

Question 2

domains of palliative care

Answer 2

1. symptom assessment and management
2. psychosocial assessment and management
3. spiritual/cultural assessment and management
4. communication and shared decision making
5. advanced care planning
6. coordination and continuity of care
7. palliative care/hospice referral
8. carer support
9. end-of-life care

Question 3

benefits of palliative care

Answer 3

• reduced pain and symptom distress
• improve health-related QOL
• increased patient/family satisfaction with care and communication
• death outside of hospital possible
• reduced cost on health system

Question 4

why is it important to recognise dying?

Answer 4

• allow patients and families to have time to adjust to news and realign priorities
• review care needs and goals of care with patients/families
• manage symptoms appropriately
• withdrawal from Tx no longer appropriate
• provide counseling and support