Hospice: What Is Palliative Care?
Palliative care is an approach aimed at improving the quality of life of patients and their families facing a life-threatening illness. This goal is achieved through the alleviation and prevention of suffering, which involves the early identification, assessment, and management of pain and other distressing symptoms, as well as the provision of psychological, social, and spiritual support.
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The essence of palliative care is not the treatment of the underlying disease, but the relief of symptoms that impair the patient's quality of life. This approach, in addition to the medical aspect, includes psychological, social, cultural, and, if necessary, spiritual support. The principles and standards of palliative care are set out in the White Paper developed by the European Association for Palliative Care.
Patient Autonomy and Dignity
Every patient should have the right to choose how and where to receive care. Palliative care can only be provided with the consent of the patient or their loved ones (if the patient is incapable of making their own decisions).
Communication.
It has been proven that positive communication increases the effectiveness of palliative care. Seriously ill patients often become withdrawn and avoid social interactions. Palliative care specialists must possess communication skills in difficult situations.
Multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary approach.
To achieve the greatest effectiveness in providing palliative care to cancer patients, physicians from various specialties, psychologists, social workers, volunteers, and church ministers are involved.
Support for the patient's family members.
This is an important component of palliative care. Throughout the illness, relatives are provided with assistance in preparing for the loss and, if necessary, continued support after the death of a family member.
Forms of care.
There are several forms of palliative care for cancer patients.
Hospice care
The main goal of hospice care is the ongoing care of the patient as an individual. Hospice care addresses all aspects of a patient's life, from pain relief to providing a place to live and other physical, emotional, spiritual, and social needs during the final days of life. Hospice staff and volunteers work together, focusing their efforts on providing the patient with the most comfortable conditions possible.