June 2018
Patients And Families Often Misunderstand 
The Important Role Of 
The Palliative Care Doctor

Palliative care is often misunderstood as only addressing end-of-life care for terminal patients, and that it may mean that the medical team and/or family has essentially "given up" on the patient.
 
Understandably, this can make families reluctant to engage palliative care. This can lead to a missed opportunity for patients who are suffering.
The role of palliative care is to prevent and reduce suffering. The suffering can arise from any personal domain including: emotional distress, physical pain, social isolation and financial concerns. It supports the patient, but also the patient's family.

Palliative care is, ideally, delivered within the context of a humanistic, patient centred model of care. Active listening by the palliative care providers determines the patient's wishes and needs.

Reducing suffering at any stage in life is the central goal of the team. And therefore, it is best if palliative care for symptom relief starts early.
Palliative care is not just for end of life patients. 

Many patients with congestive heart failure, kidney failure, respiratory distress or chronic pain will benefit from a palliative care approach, which is to focus on quality of life.

Palliative care doctors are very skilled at reducing suffering, using many techniques and medications. They are collaborative and integrate well with family doctors and specialists. Their role is to become part of the patient's care team.
It is unfortunate that palliative care is so misunderstood and has developed a stigma that can lead to a hesitancy to get the palliative care team involved.
 
This limits the valuable benefits that patients who are suffering can receive if they are open to accepting the palliative care approach.
TO START THE CONVERSATION:                                               
To learn more -  call, click or email.

1-800-620-7551 or 647-350-5500
 
 
 
It all starts with a conversation.   We are always pleased to help.
 

           



           Raymond Rupert MD. MBA.
           Founder/Medical Director
           Rupert Case Management Inc.
           505 Eglinton Avenue West, Suite 203
           Toronto, ON M5N 1B1
           
Advanced Case Management 
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