How Barbara Bush ’s legacy can help us rediscover the benefits of palliative care and hospice

The recent passing of former first lady Barbara Bush, an American icon, also brought a commonly debated discussion to light, palliative, and end of life care. Many articles were published regarding her last days, mentioning she was “foregoing further medical care” or “no longer pursuing medical treatment.” These types of statements are not only inaccurate, they also minimize the incredible medical care provided by palliative care and hospice teams. To realize the utility of these aspects of medical care, it is important to understand them. Palliative care and hospice both focus on managing symptoms. Palliative care can be combined with curative treatment as early as at time of diagnosis and focuses on improving the quality of life (QOL) of patients and families by assessing and treating pain and other symptoms. This includes physical ailments, spiritual and psychosocial issues. In oncology, a palliative care team can identify and treat problems while working in concert with the oncologist. There are also patients who do not want to receive treatment for their cancer. In these cases, seeing a palliative care physician can be extremely beneficial in managing symptoms and eventually aid in the transition to hospice. Continue reading ... Your patients are rating you online: How to respond. Manage your online reputation: A social media guide. Find out how.
Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog - Category: General Medicine Authors: Tags: Physician Geriatrics Hospital-Based Medicine Palliative Care Source Type: blogs