Integration of Palliative Care Education Into Clinical Practice

Palliative care is often confused with hospice care and is frequently not offered until there are no more curative treatments available. Hospice care is initiated when the patient has a terminal illness and is expected to live less than six months. It usually takes place at home when they are no longer pursuing curative treatment and are focused on providing comfort. Palliative care is defined as "a team-based approach that works to improve the quality of life of patients and their families or caregivers." It usually takes place in a medical facility, can be initiated at the time of diagnosis, is used in conjunction with curative treatment, and focuses on increasing the quality of life. Both hospice and palliative care connect patients to community resources and provide symptom management, psychosocial, physical, and emotional support. According to the World Health Organization, only 14% of people around the world that need palliative care are utilizing this service.5 Patients need to be introduced to palliative care early in their diagnosis to maximize the benefits they can receive from it, but only 8-18% of patients receive a palliative care consultation >30 days prior to death. Early initiation of palliative care is associated with decreased hospital bills, less aggressive treatment, decreased rates of depression and anxiety, better symptom control, and increased quality of life. It is essential that pts be appropriately educated on what palliative care is, its benefits, and how they can incorporate it into their plan of care.