Palliative Care
Overview
Palliative care is a specialized area of healthcare that focuses on relieving and preventing the suffering of patients. Unlike other medical treatments that aim at curing the illness or prolonging life, palliative care focuses on improving quality of life for both the patient and the family. It is often confused with hospice care, which is typically reserved for terminally ill patients who are expected to live six months or less, while palliative care is appropriate for any patient suffering from severe illness, regardless of life expectancy.
Definition
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines palliative care as "an approach that improves the quality of life of patients and their families facing the problem associated with life-threatening illness, through the prevention and relief of suffering by means of early identification and impeccable assessment and treatment of pain and other problems, physical, psychosocial and spiritual."
History
The concept of palliative care has its roots in the hospice movement which began in the 1960s. The modern concept of palliative care was first developed in the 1980s by Canadian physician, Balfour Mount. He is often credited as being the 'father' of palliative care in North America.
Principles
The principles of palliative care include providing relief from pain and other distressing symptoms, affirming life and regarding dying as a normal process, and intending neither to hasten nor postpone death. Palliative care integrates the psychological and spiritual aspects of patient care, and offers a support system to help patients live as actively as possible until death. It also offers a support system to help the family cope during the patient's illness and in their own bereavement.
Practice
Palliative care is provided by a team of physicians, nurses, and other health professionals who work together with the primary care physician and referred specialists to provide an extra layer of support. It is appropriate at any age and at any stage in a serious illness and can be provided along with curative treatment.
Palliative Care vs. Hospice Care
While both palliative care and hospice care provide comfort, the latter is traditionally reserved for when curative treatments have been discontinued and it is clear that the person will not survive the illness. Palliative care, on the other hand, can be provided as the main goal of care or along with curative treatments.
Benefits
Studies have shown that palliative care can improve the quality of life for patients with a life-threatening illness, and for their families. It can also reduce symptoms and improve satisfaction with care. Some studies have suggested that it may prolong life.
Challenges
Despite its benefits, palliative care is underutilized. Barriers to its use include the lack of understanding and knowledge among patients and physicians, lack of resources, and complex decision-making processes.
Future Directions
The future of palliative care lies in its integration into the standard care for patients with serious illness. Efforts are underway to increase awareness about the benefits of palliative care and to improve access to quality palliative care services.