Palliative Care

Question 1

what is the primary focus of palliative care?

Answer 1

preventing and relieving suffering in all stages of disease

Question 2

is palliative care limited to end of life care?

Answer 2

no

Question 3

what are some of the goals of palliative care?

Answer 3

1) adequate control of pain and other sx
2) achieve sense of control
3) relieve burden on family
4) name decision makers
5) have financial affairs in order

Question 4

multiple studies have shown these 2 outcomes when palliative care is initiated EARLY in the disease course

Answer 4

1) clinical care and quality of care is improved

2) survival can be prolonged

Question 5

palliative care allows for the patient to _____ hospitalization, and remain adequately care for where?

Answer 5

avoid hospitalization

remain adequately cared for at home

Question 6

in terms of family members and the bereavement process, what has palliative care shown to do?

Answer 6

significantly reduces prolonged grief and PTSD

Question 7

financially, what is the benefit to palliative care?

Answer 7

lowers costs and reduces rates of unnecessary hospitalizations, tests, treatments, ED visits, or intensive care

Question 8

what are the two models of palliative care delivery?

Answer 8

1) hospital-based palliative care programs

2) non-hospital palliative care services

Question 9

what makes up a hospital-based palliative care program?

Answer 9

consultation services
inpatient palliative care units
integrates co-management (ICU, SICU, TICU, ED)

Question 10

what are the type types of non-hospital palliative care services?

Answer 10

ambulatory

hospice

Question 11

what percentage of patients want information about their prognosis?

Answer 11

80 to 90 percent

Question 12

are patients who expect even a small chance of a prognosis less than 6 months or likely to prefer more aggressive or less aggressive care?

Answer 12

less aggressive

Question 13

do caregivers want to know the patient’s prognosis? why?

Answer 13

YES

helps with decision-making and planning

Question 14

when explaining a patient’s prognosis to him, you should always be sure to do what?

Answer 14

tailor your explanation to the patient’s information preferences

assess how much he/she wants to know

Question 15

always remember WHAT in palliative care

Answer 15

this is PATIENT centered care

the patient and family may not opt for what is the obvious choice for you but you MUST honor their wishes!

Question 16

are palliative care decisions usually made during one conversation?

Answer 16

no, it is a process – allow plenty of time for these