Understanding Palliative Care

Palliative care is a vital component of healthcare, offering relief and support to individuals with life-limiting illnesses. While many associate palliative care with end-of-life care, it applies at any stage of an illness when curative treatments are no longer effective. Understanding the difference is crucial for patients and families navigating this challenging time.

What is Palliative Care?

Palliative care focuses on managing symptoms and improving quality of life when curing the condition is no longer possible. This approach addresses physical symptoms and emotional and social challenges that patients and their families face. Contrary to common belief, receiving palliative care doesn't mean the patient is in their final days—it can be introduced at any point in the illness journey.

Palliative Care vs. End-of-Life Care: What'sWhat's the Difference?

It's important to distinguish between palliative care and end-of-life care. Palliative care may be provided from the moment a life-limiting diagnosis is made, while end-of-life care typically applies in the final stages of life. Both focus on comfort, but end-of-life care is specific to the last weeks or days.

Understanding Life-Limiting Illnesses

Life-limiting illnesses, such as advanced cancer, heart disease, lung disease, and neurodegenerative conditions like dementia, have no cure but often manageable symptoms. In Australia, about 100,000 of the 160,000 annual deaths are predictable, yet only 40,000 patients receive specialized palliative care. This highlights the importance of increasing access to palliative services.

The Benefits of Palliative Care

Research shows that patients receiving palliative care experience fewer hospital visits, shorter stays, and an improved quality of life. Palliative care can be provided weeks, months, or even years before death, allowing patients to manage symptoms while maintaining dignity.

Common Disease Trajectories in Palliative Care

Understanding disease trajectories can help in planning effective palliative care. These include:

  • Cancer (Short Decline): Gradual deterioration with rapid decline at the end.

  • Organ Failure (Intermediate Decline): Long-term restrictions with acute exacerbations, leading to sudden decline.

  • Dementia or Frailty (Gradual Decline): Steady loss of physical and cognitive function over several years.

Recognising Symptoms in Palliative Care

Healthcare providers often use the acronym PANERO to track common symptoms in palliative patients:

  • Pain

  • Agitation

  • Nausea

  • Emergencies (e.g., seizures)

  • Respiratory Issues

  • Other Symptoms (specific to the illness)

Recognising these early allows for timely interventions, improving patient comfort.

Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in palliative care by addressing both physical and emotional needs. Techniques like soft tissue massage, relaxation exercises, and positioning help patients achieve their goals and maintain a sense of normalcy.

Explore how physiotherapy provided crucial support to a cancer patient on their journey here.

For more information on the role of physiotherapy in palliative care, visit the Australian Physiotherapy Association's page on palliative care and ageing well.

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Laura Angarita