Compassionate Care

Compassionate Care Aims to Improve Quality of Life

Patients with progressive or advanced, incurable diseases still need treatment. At this point in their illnesses, however, the treatment can be focused on measures that improve the quality of the patient's remaining life. These types of interventions are often called "compassionate care", "comfort measures" or "palliative care."

The aim of palliative care is to minimize physical symptoms, improve functional capacity such as energy and ability to care for oneself. Palliative care treatment programs also support ongoing relationships with family and friends and help the patient to find meaning and purpose in life.

Palliative care, as a recognized sub-specialty of medical practice, is relatively young so that there are very few board-certified physicians with these credentials. However, the concepts of soothing pain and enhancing function have been the cornerstones of practice since the establishment of the medical profession.

A Multi-disciplinary Approach

Treatments that are used in palliative care are those that enhance comfort and quality of life, and no specific therapy is excluded. A treatment's value is measured by whether it is expected to decrease suffering, ease pain, or improve function for the dying person.

Much of palliative care is multi-disciplinary. That is to say that nurses, therapists, social workers, clergy, health aides and family all work with the doctor and patient to enhance life even as death nears. After the patient has passed away, a strong palliative care team will also follow through with bereavement support. Palliative care is care of the entire person, with sensitivity for the spiritual, cultural, and personal values of the individual.

For more information about palliative care, palliative care initiatives and projects related to improving patient care at the end of life please visit www.palliativecarenursing.net.