Palliative care
Palliative care has been defined by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as an approach that improves the quality of life of patients and their families facing problems associated with serious illness. This is achieved by the prevention and relief of suffering through early identification, assessment and treatment of pain and other problems. Other problems faced by the patient and their family can be physical, psychosocial and spiritual.
Cancer patients usually referred to palliative care specialists for advice and/or assessment in the following areas:
- control of pain
- control of other symptoms
- emotional / psychological support
- emotional / psychological support for relatives
- arranging ongoing community support
- end-of-life care.
Specialist team
Medical and nursing staff specialising in palliative care often work with a wider multidisciplinary team of physiotherapists, occupational therapists, social workers and chaplains to provide a comprehensive service.