palliative care

A Team Approach to Supporting Cancer Patients

Submitted by Illinois CancerCare
alliative care is specialized care for those experiencing serious life-limiting illness. It should be initiated alongside standard medical care and is different from hospice. The Medicare hospice benefit provides hospice care exclusively to patients who are willing to forgo curative treatments and have a physician-estimated life expectancy of six months or less. In contrast, palliative care is not limited by physicians estimation of life expectancy or a patients preference for curative medications or procedures. Palliative care focuses on management of symptoms, psychosocial support for patient and caregiver, and assistance with decision-making involving care and planning. The relationship with your physician will not be replaced, and, in fact, the team works closely together to make sure all decisions are carried out. A palliative care team typically consists of a multi-disciplinary team including: physician, advanced practice nurse, nursing, pharmacy, social work, dietician, and licensed counselor. A patient-guided plan will be developed to increase comfort and well-being while helping to manage symptoms of illness such as pain, shortness of breath, depression, anxiety, and weight loss. Several research trials have shown that early palliative care improves patients quality of life and lowers rates of depression. Initiating palliative care can also improve patients understanding of their prognosis. It may also decrease the need for acute care services, leading to fewer hospital admissions and emergency department visits. Open and honest communication is facilitated helping you to live the best possible life with your values and wishes in mind. Emotional and social support can be provided for the patient and family including guidance on advanced care directives. Palliative care should not be reserved exclusively for those who have exhausted options for lifeprolonging therapies. It should be offered simultaneously with ongoing treatment or can provide support when treatment is no longer effective and aid the transition to hospice care. Patients should work with their health care provider to discuss if palliative care could be appropriate. Typically, the first palliative care visit

would include a baseline assessment of symptoms, caregiver distress, depression, and advanced care planning needs. Future appointments will then be arranged according to ongoing evaluation of symptoms, mood, and patient/caregiver concerns. Patients and their families may need to be seen once or ongoing to improve their quality of life. You are one of a kind and your care should be, too. Palliative care programs are supported for patients with cancer and advocated by The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) along with the American Cancer Society (ACS) and several other organizations. Illinois CancerCare is proud to support these initiatives. For more information, please contact your Oncology Provider or visit the Illinois CancerCare website at: www.illinoiscancercare.com/palliativecare or call 309-243-3000.

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Page 42 Healthy Cells Magazine Peoria March 2014

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