Palliative Care Review

Flashcards about palliative care, its principles, and applications.

Palliative Medicine

A medical specialty practiced by physicians with specialized training in managing serious, life-limiting illnesses, focusing on the medical management of symptoms.

Palliative Care

A broader approach to improving the quality of life for patients with serious illnesses, provided by a multidisciplinary team, focusing on care including physical, psychosocial, and spiritual support.

Palliative Care (WHO Definition)

An approach that improves the quality of life of patients and their families facing problems associated with life-threatening illness, through prevention and relief of suffering.

Quality of Life (QoL)

An individual's overall well-being, encompassing physical health, mental and emotional state, social relationships, and the ability to perform daily activities.

Physical Well-being

Absence of pain, mobility, and overall health in the context of healthcare.

Mental and Emotional Well-being

Stress levels, mood, and cognitive function in the context of healthcare.

Social Well-being

Relationships, support systems, and sense of belonging in the context of healthcare.

Independence and Functionality

Ability to carry out daily tasks and maintain autonomy in the context of healthcare.

Primary goals of Palliative Care

Relieve pain and other distressing symptoms, enhance quality of life, affirm life, provide psychosocial and spiritual support, and offer family/caregiver support.

Key Aspects of Palliative Care

Patient-centered care, interdisciplinary approach, communication, shared decision-making, and continuity of care.

Autonomy (in Palliative Care)

Respect for patient choices regarding treatment.

Beneficence & Non-maleficence (in Palliative Care)

Balancing benefits and risks of interventions.

Justice (in Palliative Care)

Ensuring equitable access to palliative care.

Advanced Care Planning

Discussing goals of care, living wills, and do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders.

SPIKES Protocol

Setting up, perception, invitation, knowledge, empathy, strategy.

Hospitals role for palliative care

acute symptom management, collaboration with specialists

Hospice Care in Palliative Care

End-of-life care focused on comfort

Day Care in Palliative Care

symptom management, collaboration with specialists, socializing, support groups for patients and families

Home-Based Palliative Care

For patients wishing to stay at home

Nursing Homes and Long-Term Care Facilities

Integrating palliative principles into care

Key Steps to Improve Palliative Care

Raising awareness, expanding education, establishing services, integrating care earlier, improving access, increasing investment.