Palliative Medicine
Palliative medicine is specialized care for people who have been diagnosed with a serious illness. UK St. Claire’s palliative medicine team has specialized training and clinical expertise in pain management and symptom control. We focus on helping patients and their families cope with the many burdens of a serious illness, including side effects of medical treatments, fears about the future, and even caregiver stress. Our goal is to make our patients comfortable and help them achieve the best possible quality of life.
How Is Palliative Medicine Different from Hospice?
Patients can receive palliative care while undergoing treatments that may cure or reverse the effects of their illness. In fact, palliative care may help patients cope with aggressive treatments by getting their pain and symptoms under control while they fight their illness. While hospice also focuses on the pain and symptoms of a serious illness, hospice care provides comfort when a patient’s curative treatment is no longer beneficial.
Will I still see my current doctors?
Absolutely. While your current doctors focus on your general health and treating your illness, your palliative medicine team will concentrate on preventing and lessening suffering, improving your quality of life, and helping you and your loved ones cope with the stress and burden of your illness. We’re also here to assist you with difficult medical decisions, helping you weigh the pros and cons of various treatments.
