Palliative care scares some people: this is how it helps

In many stages of illness, palliative care can alleviate stress and provide additional support.

Many people and their relatives associate the term palliative care with the end of life. Some may think that palliative care and hospice care are one and the same. So it's worth explaining that palliative care is a medical specialty that can help people in many different stages of health, not just during a terminal illness. Importantly, the services offered can help you or someone you love enjoy a better quality of life, relieve uncomfortable symptoms, and avoid unnecessary hospitalizations.

As medical oncologists (cancer doctors), we have seen how helpful this care can be when people suffer from cancer or another serious illness. However, we find that not enough people who could benefit from this care are receiving it. By addressing misconceptions about what palliative care is and who it can help, we hope more people will ask about the full range of care they deserve and whether a referral to palliative care is right for them.

What is palliative care?

Palliative care takes a holistic approach to improving the quality of life of people and caregivers

• Unterstützung von Menschen bei der Bewältigung von Schmerzen, Übelkeit, Müdigkeit und anderen beunruhigenden Symptomen im Zusammenhang mit Krankheiten oder Behandlungen, um ihren Komfort und ihre Funktionsfähigkeit zu optimieren
• Unterstützung bei Depressionen, Angstzuständen oder Stressoren wie Finanzen oder Beziehungen, die durch eine schwere Krankheit beeinträchtigt werden können
• Verbesserung der Pflegekoordinierung durch Kommunikation mit anderen Gesundheitsdienstleistern, um sicherzustellen, dass alle in Bezug auf Bedürfnisse und Präferenzen auf dem gleichen Stand sind
• ggf. Aufklärung und Bereitstellung von Möglichkeiten der Sterbebegleitung (diese Form der Palliativversorgung ist Teil der Hospizversorgung).

In many health care settings, palliative care is provided by one or a few health care providers such as a doctor, physician assistant, or nurse. In others, palliative care may be provided by a team of physicians and social workers, spiritual counselors, and case managers.

People sometimes think of palliative care as a last resort; Maybe you've heard that before or even thought that yourself. It may be helpful to know that the type of care we describe is now recognized as essential to treatment, even in the early stages of serious illnesses such as cancer, emphysema, heart failure and kidney disease. People can and should receive palliative care while receiving curative or life-prolonging treatments.

Who can palliative care help?

Palliative care can help anyone who has a serious medical problem that is causing physical or emotional distress.

Typically this refers to people with life-threatening or chronic illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, lung disease, neurological impairment or kidney failure. It can also refer to people who have suffered an injury that has resulted in physical discomfort, emotional distress, or both. So, in a sense, these services can be offered to anyone based on their symptoms rather than their specific diagnosis. Palliative care services are also available to support families and caregivers.

Why is my doctor talking to me about palliative care?

You may be concerned if your doctor recommends palliative care. However, it is important to understand that the benefits of palliative care are greatest when introduced early after a new diagnosis of serious illness, pain syndrome, or physical trauma. In our practice, we tend to explain the concept of palliative care soon after a cancer diagnosis for people who may benefit from additional support.

Our goal is to provide information about the resources available to support wellness, not to take away hope or scare people. The better you feel, the better you will do. Experiencing less pain, nausea, fatigue, or depression makes medical treatments and surgeries easier to endure, which can improve both the quality and quantity of life.

We have answered frequently asked questions below.

Why does my doctor talk about palliative care?

To improve support for people in difficult times and serious illness, not when “there is nothing left to do”.

Am I dying?

A referral to palliative care does not mean that you will die - it just means that you and your family may need more support so that you can live as long and as well as possible.

Are you still my doctor?

Yes! Palliative care providers are consultants who work with your doctors, including your primary care doctor and other specialists involved in your care.

If I have a question, who do I call?

If your question relates to a symptom or medication that is being managed by your palliative care team, it is appropriate to contact them. However, you can never go wrong by calling the GP who will manage your treatment, e.g. B. Your oncologist if you have cancer. They can answer your question and direct you to the right person.

Which medications are available to me?

All medications to help you feel better or live longer, including cancer treatments, are available if you and your doctors find them helpful.

Do I still need to see my palliative care provider or team?

Like any other doctor, they are available to help you if you find that you would benefit from their services. If you no longer feel like you have needs that they can address, you don't need to continue caring for them.

Will my family benefit from palliative care?

Yes definitely! One of the main goals of palliative care is to improve the quality of life of people and their families or caregivers through advice, information and help in coordinating doctor's visits and medical tests.