Palliative care is specialized specifically designed care for individuals living with a serious illness. This kind of care is centered on alleviating symptoms and reducing the disease burden on the body. Therefore, the primary objective of palliation is to enhance the quality of life for both the patient and the family. Palliative care is administered by a specially trained team of experts, including physicians, nurses, and other medical professionals who collaborate with a patient’s primary care providers to provide additional comfort. It is tailored to meet each patient’s unique needs, regardless of age or stage of illness, and can be integrated with curative treatments to achieve more effective results.
Five principles guide palliative care:
- Alleviating pain and other symptoms associated with the illness or its treatment.
- Recognizing the disease and its treatment as a gradual and ongoing process.
- Assisting patients in accepting physiological changes and making necessary adjustments to minimise stress and pain.
- Educating caregivers about the patient’s illness and treatment.
- Supporting patients in maintaining their quality of life.
The goal of palliative care is to provide optimal symptom management and treatment to improve patient’s quality of life, as well as that of their caregivers. Symptoms can vary widely among patients and may include anxiety, depression, nausea, shortness of breath, fatigue, insomnia, loss of appetite, and more.
Palliative Care and Modern Healthcare:
In the era of modern medicine, there is a pressing need for palliative care to be integrated into treatment plans. Palliative care not only supports patients and their families but also enhances the effectiveness of treatment and improves prognosis. Despite medical advancements, patients with life-threatening illnesses often experience significant suffering. By incorporating palliative care into their treatment, this suffering can be alleviated. Palliative care, rooted in compassion and care, has emerged over the past half-century as a vital aspect of healthcare. The World Health Organization now recognizes it as an essential component of universal health coverage.
Palliative Care as the Need of the Hour:
As a healthcare professional, I believe that palliative care is crucial because it strengthens our ability to provide the best possible treatment for patients. By doing so, not only improves survival rates and quality of life but also instills courage in patients to face their challenges. Regardless of circumstances, our priority should always be to offer patients the highest standard of care, with palliative care playing a vital role in achieving this. Healthcare workers across all disciplines should be trained to provide palliative care and educate patients’ families accordingly.
The trend of Palliative Care in Pakistan:
Despite numerous challenges, Pakistan’s healthcare sector has made significant strides. However, there is still ample room for improvement, particularly in terms of providing comfort and support to patients and their families. From doctors and nurses to support staff, everyone bears the responsibility of creating a supportive environment. Patients entering emergency rooms or hospital wards often experience fear and uncertainty. It is incumbent upon healthcare workers to communicate effectively and compassionately with patients and their families throughout their journey. Unfortunately, public sector hospitals often fall short in this regard, with reports of inadequate treatment and communication. While private sector hospitals may fare slightly better, there is still a need for improvement in palliative care practices.
Palliative Care as a Healthcare Policy:
There is a global and local demand for palliative care in today’s healthcare landscape. Implementing palliative care policies in both public and private hospitals is essential to alleviate patient suffering. End-of-life care should be an integral part of palliative care, prioritizing patient choice, advance care planning, and overall quality of life. By adopting these policies, we can ensure that patients live their lives with dignity and without unnecessary pain and stress, regardless of their life expectancy.
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