Issue link: http://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/574351
PALLIATIVE CARE INVOLVES caring for the whole person, not just the illness, and it begins by partnering with patients, families and their health care teams. Although many people believe palliative care is only for people who have discontinued curative treatment, anyone with a chronic health condition—such as cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or heart failure—can benefi t. Most patients receiving palliative care are still pursuing a cure when the palliative care team encounters them. PALLIATIVE CARE APPROACH Palliative care service providers partner with primary care physicians to develop a care plan for their patients. "The primar y care physician makes referrals for our ser vices, and we and the regular health care team operate together," said David Bucher, MSW, palliative care manager with CHI Franciscan Health. Palliative care is administered within a variety of settings, from hospitals and clinics to patients' homes. After understanding the patient's health-related goals—the illness, perceived quality of life and possible treatment options—the team works together to inform decisions. QUALITY TREATMENT "We are primarily trying to understand patients, their goals and their needs—who they are as people," Bucher said. "We use that information to develop a collaborative medical treatment plan for patients, which includes their detailed goals of care." Palliative care professionals fi t the program into the broader treatment process, noting who is responsible for making personal decisions, aligning care with treatments and joining with other professionals on the patient's team. Severe illnesses often present diffi cult decisions, and palliative care can help patients decide which routes to take for the best possible care. WHEN TO SEEK PALLIATIVE CARE Palliative care is gaining ground. "More families are starting to ask for palliative care than in the past," Bucher said. "It is best understood and requested by health care providers, but there has been a growing understanding among patients of palliative care's value." Patients should follow up with their doctor if they have questions about palliative care and what it offers. During that conversation, the doctor can help guide patients to the next step in living with an illness. If that involves palliative care, the physician and health care team will provide a referral. WHAT ABOUT HOSPICE? Hospice is a part of palliative care. It is not focused on curative treatment and more focused on providing comfort to ease pain and provide solace for patients who are terminally ill. Hospice is meant for those who have only months to live—six months or less—so the aim shifts in the type of support offered. Palliative care is available based on patients' needs. Learn more about CHI Franciscan's award-winning palliative care program at chifranciscan.org/palliative. THE PEACE LAYER Palliative care provides an additional layer of support for individuals living with a severe illness. —DAVID BUCHER, MSW, palliative care manager, CHI Franciscan Health "Palliative care is a tremendous benefi t considering the medical realities for patients and the quality-of-life implications for choices about the medical care they receive." DAVID BUCHER, MSW harrisonmedical.org /// HARRISON MEDICAL CENTER 11