What Seriously Ill Patients Should Know about Palliative Care
What is palliative care?
Seriously ill patients should know there is a medical specialty focused on meeting their unique needs. Palliative care specialists provide expert treatment of the pain, discomfort, and stress that can occur with life-threatening illnesses, and are on call to answer any questions that patients and families may have about their care, treatment options, and medical decisions.
Why is it important?
· Many patients need palliative care
· Palliative care works.
· Palliative care is a growing specialty
Who provides palliative care?
Care continues to be provided by the patient’s attending physician, with the addition of the palliative care team including: board certified palliative care physicians; advanced practice nurses; social workers; chaplains; pharmacists; nutritionists; and physical and occupational therapists.
How does the St. John Health Palliative Care Program help patients and their families?
· Makes patients feel better throughout their illness by treating pain and symptoms
· Assists with communication and coordination
· Eases referrals to other settings
· Provides spiritual and emotional support
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