What is a palliative care consult?
A palliative care consult is a specialized medical service focused on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of serious illness. The goal is to improve the quality of life for both the patient and their family.
Who can benefit from a palliative care consult? Patients with serious, chronic, or life-threatening illnesses who need help managing symptoms, pain, and emotional stress can benefit from palliative care
How do I know if palliative care is right for me or my loved one? If you or a loved one are dealing with a serious illness and experiencing symptoms that affect your quality of life, a palliative care consult can help assess your needs and determine the best course of action.
Can I continue to see my regular doctor while receiving palliative care? Absolutely. Our team collaborates with your primary care physician and any specialists you are seeing to ensure coordinated and comprehensive care.
What is the difference between palliative care and primary care? While primary care focuses on overall health maintenance, palliative care specifically addresses the relief of symptoms and stress associated with serious illnesses, enhancing the quality of life for patients and their families.
How often will the palliative care doctor or the visit? The frequency of visits depends on your individual needs and care plan. We work with you to determine the best schedule to manage your symptoms and provide support.
What happens if my condition changes? Our team is equipped to adapt your care plan as your condition evolves, ensuring you receive effective support and referrals for your condition and goals of care and preferences change over time.
Components of a Palliative Care Consult
- Assessment: A thorough evaluation of the patient’s medical history, current symptoms, and overall health condition.
- Symptom Management: Identification and management of symptoms such as pain, nausea, fatigue, and emotional distress.
- Care Planning: Development of a personalized care plan that aligns with the patient’s goals and preferences.
- Coordination of Care: Collaboration with other healthcare providers to ensure comprehensive and coordinated care.
- Support Services: Provision of emotional, social, and spiritual support for both the patient and their family.
- Advance Care Planning: Assistance with making informed decisions about future healthcare preferences and completing advance directives.
For more information or to schedule a consultation, please contact us.