In the past, palliative care was mainly provided to those nearing the end of life. However, it’s now about helping people cope with serious medical problems at any stage. Doctors and nurses probably won’t use the exact term “palliative care” to describe it. They might call it “whole-person care” or “extra support” during treatment. Either way, the goal is the same: making tough times a little easier for the patient and their loved ones.
What Is Palliative Care?
Palliative care aims to prevent, lessen, or eliminate a patient’s discomfort. Its goal is to satisfy patients and improve their quality of life. Palliative care includes help from medical and other professionals for problems with the body, emotions, spirit, and practical matters. This assistance can be given in different places, such as homes or hospitals, and continued over time.
A research that studied 160 cancer patients who needed a bone marrow transplant, a complicated procedure associated with both physical and emotional distress, divided patients into two random groups. One received regular hospital treatment, while the other received palliative care in addition to regular care. After two weeks in the hospital, when treatment was at its most challenging phase, those who received palliative care support felt less depressed and anxious than those who received regular care. Their quality of life didn’t decline as much, either. Even three months later, the palliative care group still saw some overall improvements.
Palliative Care and Life Quality
Here’s how palliative care can significantly improve the quality of life for patients:
Personalized Care
Palliative care tailors the care plan to each person’s unique situation and priorities. Patients can work with their doctor to make a detailed plan for their current and future health needs, including what treatments they want and where they choose to receive care.
During these discussions, the care team and patients communicate openly and honestly to ensure they know about their situation, possible treatments, and what to anticipate. Patients and their families are supported in making well-informed choices, ensuring their dignity and freedom to decide throughout their journey.
Managing Emotions
Serious illness can cause many emotional issues. Palliative care helps manage these emotions. Care teams are trained to listen to and support patients as they express their fears and concerns. It gives patients a place to express what worries them. Social workers, counselors, and spiritual guides provide emotional support through therapy, spiritual guidance, relaxing massages, and music.
For those dealing with advanced diseases like stage 4 mesothelioma or end-stage liver disease, this emotional support can be invaluable in maintaining their mental health during a challenging time.
Symptom Relief
The care team can give direct care and teach everyday strategies to make patients feel more at ease. For instance, food advice can assist with issues like constipation and a lack of appetite. Pain management is also a big part of care that improves the quality of life. The providers will carefully assess a person’s degree of pain, where it’s located, and what makes it worse.
They then provide various pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical options for relief. Prescription drugs may work with heated wraps, gentle rubbing, or acupuncture. Working with a physical therapist can ease stiffness and protect against further pain from not moving around.
Endnote
Palliative care is not a last resort but a proactive strategy to enhance life amidst illness. Integrating physical, emotional, and social support upholds dignity and autonomy, transforming how we approach severe disease. Palliative care is a universal health right we must champion to ensure no one faces illness without compassion and relief.
