What is palliative care?

It is the comprehensive health care to improve the quality of life for patients suffering from incurable diseases (such as tumors, etc.) at all stages of the disease. Palliative care aims to alleviate the suffering of the physical, psychological, social, spiritual and religious symptoms of patients and their families in ways that are appropriate for each patient according to his need.

Who are the patients involved in palliative care?

Palliative care is provided to all patients with incurable diseases, and palliative care is provided for all age groups, and a number of diseases fall under this category, the most important of which are:

  • Diseases of metastatic or advanced cancer, and cases that do not respond to anti-cancer treatment (chemotherapy, radiotherapy, etc.).
  • Chronic heart disease.
  • Chronic chest diseases.
  • Chronic renal failure diseases.
  • Chronic liver disease.
  • Some advanced neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer’s, multiple sclerosis, and others).

 

What are the basics of palliative care?

Foundations of palliative care

Palliative care is based on three main principles:

First: the comprehensive and appropriate evaluation of the patient’s condition.

Second: The appropriate treatment plan for the patient’s condition.

Third: Continuous follow-up.

Where and when is palliative care provided?

The palliative care service can be provided to patients at all stages of the disease and in different forms according to the patient’s condition and needs.

The following are the most important images of service provision:

First: Advise the primary therapist team to help deal with physical symptoms or need (social, psychological, religious, spiritual).

Second: The palliative care team should directly and primarily take care of the patient.

Third: Follow-up in the outpatient clinic.

Fourth: Home health care service.

Who are the members of the palliative care team?

The palliative care team includes

 

  • the patient
  • patient’s family
  • Palliative care doctors
  • Palliative care nurses
  • Social worker
  • religious affairs
  • Nutritionist
  • Physical and occupational therapy
  • Pharmacists
  • psychological counselors
  • health educator
  • home care and more

 

What are the common symptoms of patients involved in palliative care?

Common symptoms in the concerned patients

 

  • the pain
  • stress and fatigue
  • poor appetite
  • constipation
  • Dry mouth
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • difficulty swallowing
  • Breathing difficulty
  • Bad odors
  • itching
  • Anxiety and fear
  • depression and sadness
  • cluttered mind