Palliative Care is a specialized field of medicine that focuses on providing care for individuals suffering from serious, life-limiting illnesses such as cancer, chronic heart failure, chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), interstitial lung disease (ILD), and progressive neurological disorders like dementia, stroke, and Parkinson's disease. The primary goal of palliative care is to enhance the quality of life for both patients and their families as they navigate the complex physical, psychosocial, and spiritual challenges associated with incurable, chronic, progressive, and advanced diseases.
This approach emphasizes the relief of distressing symptoms, including pain, nausea, fatigue, loss of appetite, oral ulcers, non-healing wounds, insomnia, and general weakness, among others. Palliative care is personalized to meet the unique needs of each individual and often involves a collaborative effort from various specialists, such as physiotherapists, counselors, nutritionists, psychologists, and occupational therapists, to develop a comprehensive care plan.
The department has two consultants, three DNB-PG students, and two nursing officers. The palliative care team works in partnership with the parent treating unit to provide an additional layer of support for the patient and caregivers. The team delivers impeccable symptom management, expert communication regarding goals of care, treatment options, advance care planning, and assists families in navigating difficult disease trajectories.
