A Palliative Approach to Care
Published: 31 May 2023
Published: 31 May 2023
Palliative care allows patients with life-limiting illnesses to live as comfortably as possible in their final days.
This overview of palliative care will address some misconceptions and provide practical tips for healthcare staff.
Palliative care is the care approach taken for patients with life-limiting illness who have little to no prospect of cure, where the primary aim of treatment is comfort care and quality of life. This does not necessarily mean stopping medications, treatments and therapies; rather, it involves refocusing goals depending on the patient’s needs (PCA 2018; Healthdirect 2021).
Palliative care is based on individual needs and is different for each patient, aiming to alleviate physical, emotional, social and/or spiritual difficulties (PCA 2015a).
In addition to reducing pain and distress, palliative care also aims to enhance the patient’s quality of life so they can feel as fulfilled and comfortable as possible. While palliative care might positively influence the course of their illness, the goal is not to quicken nor postpone death (DoHaAC 2019; PCA 2015a).
Some therapies and treatments may be delivered concurrently with palliative care (Better Health Channel 2017).
It’s important to note that palliative care is not exclusive to older adults and can be provided to a patient of any age with a life-limiting illness, including children and young people (DoHaAC 2019).
(PCA 2015a; Healthdirect 2021)
A palliative care approach may be taken towards patients with life-limiting illnesses considered active, progressive and advanced, such as (but not limited to):
(Better Health Channel 2017)
Palliative care may be provided:
(DoHaAC 2019)
This depends on the preferences of the patient and their loved ones (DoHaAC 2019).
End-of-life care is a phase of palliative care, but palliative care comes before end-of-life care and the two terms are not interchangeable.
End-of-life care occurs in the final stage of a patient’s life when death is imminent. However, palliative care as a whole does not necessarily mean the patient is approaching death. A patient may start palliative care immediately after their diagnosis and receive this care for years (DoHaAC 2019).
(Le 2016)
Palliative care involves an interprofessional team of healthcare professionals including doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, carers and/or volunteers.
Here are some tips to keep in mind when caring for a patient receiving palliative care:
(Le 2016; Better Health Channel 2015b; PCA 2015b; Farabelli et al. 2020)
The National Palliative Care Standards aim to support the delivery of high-quality palliative care. They are:
Standard 1 | The assessment (initial and ongoing) takes into account the patient’s physical, psychological, cultural, social and spiritual experiences and needs. |
Standard 2 | The patient and their loved ones work together with carers to plan goals for care and make informed decisions. |
Standard 3 | The patient’s loved ones and carers are provided support and their needs are met so that they can fulfil their role. |
Standard 4 | The care delivered is aligned with the needs, values, goals and preferences of the patient, and is informed by evidence. |
Standard 5 | The delivery of care within and between services is well coordinated. |
Standard 6 | Loved ones and carers are provided access to information about loss and grief, as well as bereavement support services. |
Standard 7 | Specialist services support the delivery of person-centred care through their philosophy, values, culture, environment and structure. |
Standard 8 | Services are involved in ongoing quality improvement practices. |
Standard 9 | All healthcare staff and volunteers have the required qualifications, training and support to deliver palliative care. |
(Adapted from PCA 2018)
Palliative care involves an interprofessional team of healthcare professionals who aim to alleviate the physical, emotional, social and/or spiritual difficulties of a patient with a life-limiting illness. It is important to individualise this care as well as provide loved ones with adequate support and information about palliative care and death.
Question 1 of 3
Finish the sentence. Palliative care aims to…