Hospice and palliative care is important because it provides patients with an option for pain and symptom management and a better quality of life while continuing to apply curative measures.
Hospice is a specialized type of care that focuses on the relief of symptoms and the enhancement of comfort and quality of life for people who are facing a terminal illness. In hospice, doctors work together with family members to create a plan for the patient's care that meets their individual needs. This includes things like providing relief from pain and symptoms, ensuring that the patient gets all the medication they need, and providing emotional support. Hospice services are available both inpatient (where patients live) and outpatient (where patients spend short periods of time at various facilities).
Palliative care is another form of specialized healthcare that helps people living with cancer manage their symptoms. It aims to improve their quality of life while continuing to treat their cancer. Palliative care helps patients feel comfortable discussing their treatment options and making decisions about how they want to live their final days or weeks.
