Question

What are some ways that greater incorporation of palliative care can serve to improve the patient experience? Discuss what safeguards are needed to ensure that care is not unreasonably denied to patients.

Answer 1

Palliative care is provided by a specially-trained team of doctors, nurses and other specialists who work together to provide an extra layer of support to patient. It is based on the needs of the patient & not on the prognosis.

Incorporation of palliative care can serve to improve the patient experience

1. Early palliative care can experience relief of symptoms and improvements

2. Easy access to palliative care services.

3. Adequate palliative care centers.

4. Training for provision of palliative care should be incorporated into the curriculum for all health care providers.

5. Training courses for family members and community volunteers can be organised and provided by health care workers at

the community level.

6. Guidelines for home care services should include basic management of palliative care by family members and community

volunteers.

7. Training on the provision of palliative care should be incorporated into the curriculum for all health care providers.

8. Wherever palliative care is provided, factors to be assessed include affordability and the presence of community care and

support services.