Understanding Palliative and Hospice Care – the investment in care and dignity of terminally diagnosed patients

Unlike curative treatments, palliative care’s primary goal is to improve the quality of life for patients and their families. This approach addresses not only physical symptoms but also psychological, social, and spiritual aspects, ensuring a holistic care plan. These services are provided by a team of healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, social workers, counsellors, and other specialists, who work together to address the physical, emotional, social,and spiritual needs of both the patient and their family. Palliative care can be delivered alongside curative treatments or as a standalone service when curative options are no longer effective or desired.Advance Care Planning and Decision-Making Support - Palliative care teams assist patients in making informed decisions about their treatment preferences. This includes advance directives and end-of-life care planning, empowering patients to communicate their wishes.Family and Caregiver Support - Illnesses affect entire families, not just the patient. Palliative care teams offer education, resources, and counselling to help families understand the patient’s condition and learn how to provide care.Coordination of Care - Palliative care involves coordinating between different healthcareproviders to ensure that all aspects of the patient’s needs are met. This helps streamline care,minimize hospital admissions, and facilitate smoother transitions across different settings (e.g.,from hospital to home).Bereavement Support - Some palliative care services offer support to families after a loved one’s passing, helping them cope with grief through counselling and support groups. The interdisciplinary care approach where all medical, care, administration and supportstakeholders join efforts to work out the best possible care plan for the patient and their family isthe core focus of palliative care.What is Hospice Care?Hospice care is a type of palliative care that specifically caters to patients in the final stages of terminal illnesses. It emphasizes comfort, dignity, and quality of life, rather than prolonging life through aggressive treatments. Hospice care is typically offered when curative treatment is no longer feasible or has been declined by the patient.Key aspects may include: Comfort-Focused Medical Care Personalized Care Planning Emotional and Psychological Support Spiritual Support Family and Caregiver Support Grief and Bereavement Support Hospice care is a subset of palliative care, but it is specifically for individuals nearing the end oflife, typically when the expected lifespan is six months or less. Palliative care, on the other hand,can be provided at any stage of illness and can accompany curative treatments. The Importance of Palliative Care, Especially in Low- and Middle-Income CountriesPalliative care is particularly vital in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) for severalreasons:1. Resource Constraints: Many LMICs face limited resources for advanced, long-term medicaltreatments. Palliative care provides an affordable alternative by focusing on symptom relief andquality of life rather than costly interventions.2. High Burden of Disease: Chronic illnesses and non-communicable diseases, such as cancer,often require intensive, prolonged care. Palliative care helps manage these conditions in a waythat reduces strain on healthcare systems while offering compassionate support to patients andfamilies.3. Access to Pain Relief: In many LMICs, access to pain management, including opioids for severe pain, is limited. Palliative care programs advocate for and improve access to essential medications for symptom control, enhancing patient dignity and comfort.Cost-Benefit Implications of Palliative Care on Healthcare Systems1. Reduced Hospital Admissions and Length of Stay: By focusing on symptom managementand home-based care, palliative care often reduces the need for frequent hospitalizations andemergency room visits.2. Lower Treatment Costs: Avoiding aggressive interventions and focusing on comfort carecan save costs significantly, as patients often forgo expensive treatments that do not improvetheir quality of life.3. Better Resource Allocation: By reducing the demand for intensive and expensive care,healthcare systems can allocate resources to other pressing healthcare needs, optimizing servicedelivery.Health Benefits of Timely Palliative Care Timely implementation of palliative care can have a positive impact on patients’ quality of lifecompared to overtreatment:- Improved Quality of Life: Early palliative care helps patients manage pain and otherdistressing symptoms, allowing them to live more comfortably.- Reduced Anxiety and Depression: Palliative care addresses mental health by providingcounseling and support, often helping patients and families cope with their conditions betterthan prolonged aggressive treatments.- Empowerment and Control: Patients involved in palliative care experience greater autonomyover their treatment and care decisions, allowing them to maintain dignity and personal values.Patient Autonomy and Its ImportancePatient Autonomy refers to the right of patients to make informed decisions about their own healthcare. This is fundamental for several reasons:1. Respect for Personal Values and Beliefs: It empowers patients to choose treatments thatalign with their values, beliefs, and personal goals.2. Enhanced Trust in Care Providers: Allowing patients to exercise autonomy helps build trust, as they feel heard and respected by healthcare professionals.3. Improved Patient Satisfaction: Patients who are active participants in their care are often more satisfied, as their individual preferences are recognized and respected. - PCN’s House Zietsman is situated at 3 Jan Jonker Road, Klein Windhoek, Windhoek, Namibia. Contact dr G Keyter, Head: Medical Dept CAN & PCN; doctor@pcn.org.na, 0819537740Did you know?DignifiedHospice care helps patients experience a dignified, peaceful end-of-life process by prioritizing their comfortand personal choices.STATS:Palliative careSymptom and pain managementPsychosocial support (emotional support/counselling) Spiritual and cultural support

Understanding Palliative and Hospice Care – the investment in care and dignity of terminally diagnosed patients

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Namibian Sun 2024-11-22

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Understanding Palliative and Hospice Care – the investment in care and dignity of terminally diagnosed patients

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Namibian Sun 2024-11-22

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