Definition of Palliative Care

Active total care offered to patients with progressive disease and their families when it is recognized that the illness is no longer curable, in order to concentrate on the quality of life and the alleviation of distressing symptoms in the framework of a coordinated service. The focus of Palliative Care is neither to hasten nor postpone death. It provides relief from pain and other distressing symptoms and integrates the psychological and spiritual aspects of care. Furthermore, it offers a support system to help relatives and friends cope during the patient's illness and bereavement.

Palliative Care developed during the 1960’s as an attempt to adequately address some of the unmet needs of the terminally ill and their families. The great majority of patients seen by most palliative care programs in the world have advanced cancer. However, in some regions where other diseases such as AIDS are highly prevalent, some palliative care programs have developed to the specific needs of this patient population. The incidence and mortality of cancer continues to increase in Canada and approximately one in three Canadians are expected to be diagnosed with cancer and of those, approximately 50% will die because of their disease. During the next decade we expect a 50% increase in incidence of cancer. In addition, other chronic incurable illnesses such as AIDS continues to increase in our country. A review of the prevalence of both cancer and aids in the province of Alberta, Canada, suggested that more than 95% of the patients who would require Palliative Care would have a diagnosis of cancer. Consequently, at present, the overwhelming majority of patients who are referred to our service have advanced cancer with no reasonable chance of cure. However, we recognize that patients with other terminal illnesses such as AIDS, multiple sclerosis, amytrophic lateral sclerosis, etc., have special needs which require a palliative approach.

What type of Palliative Care Services are available?
The type of care depends on each person’s symptoms and special needs. If they are able, many family members prefer to care for their relatives at home with the support of community agencies. Others, however, may need the special services and equipment of a hospital or continuing care centre. The type of palliative service is a shared decision among the person, the family, and health care professionals.

Who is Eligible?
Palliative Care is for any person who is suffering from a terminal illness and needs supportive care to manage the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual symptoms of the disease.

Who provides the care?
The person needing Palliative Care and the family are the central and most important members of the care team which includes the family doctor and the health care team. Depending on what is needed, the following team members may be involved: nurses, social workers, pastoral care workers, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, nutritionists, pharmacists, volunteers, respiratory therapists, psychologists and the Palliative Consulting Team (specially trained doctors and nurses).