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Palliative Care

A holistic approach that places quality of life and comfort first in serious illness.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Onkoloji department. Book Appointment →

What is Palliative Care?

Palliative care is a holistic approach to improving quality of life for people living with serious illness and for their families. It covers pain management, control of physical symptoms, psychological support, spiritual care and social support. Palliative care is not limited to the end of life; it can be delivered alongside active treatment at any stage of the illness.

Research shows that integrating palliative care early not only improves quality of life but can also improve survival in some cancer types. Close collaboration between the oncology team and the palliative-care team is therefore very important.

The palliative-care team usually includes an oncologist, a palliative-care physician, nurses, a social worker, a psychologist and a spiritual counsellor. The patient and family are actively involved in decision-making, and treatment goals and expectations are discussed openly.

Symptoms

Pain management: a comprehensive assessment of chronic cancer pain
Control of dyspnoea (shortness of breath)
Management of nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite
Strategies for coping with fatigue and weakness
Support for sleep disturbance and anxiety
Mouth care and management of swallowing difficulty
Psychological, spiritual and social support

Risk Factors

Advanced-stage cancer or disease that no longer responds to treatment
A heavy symptom burden
Social isolation and inadequate family support
Financial difficulty
Psychological and spiritual distress
Burnout in family caregivers
Reduced decision-making capacity in the patient

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • When pain or other symptoms cannot be controlled by current treatment
  • To meet the palliative-care team after a diagnosis of advanced disease
  • When the family wishes to discuss the course of the illness and the goals of care
  • When family caregivers need support and guidance
  • To plan home care after hospital discharge

Treatment Methods

01
Pain management: the WHO analgesic ladder (NSAIDs, weak opioids, strong opioids)
02
Symptom management: antiemetics, bronchodilators, laxatives, steroids
03
Psychological support: individual counselling and group therapy
04
Social work: care planning, financial support, help with transport
05
Hospice care: comfort-focused care at the end of life
06
Family counselling: bereavement support and caregiver education

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Onkoloji department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Onkoloji Department

Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.