Section on Palliative Care

The Section on Palliative Care was established to improve the quality of life of patients whose diseases are no longer responsive to curative treatments. The program provides comprehensive, coordinated services to terminally ill patients and their families, with emphasis on relief from pain and other disturbing symptoms; integration of physical, psychological, and spiritual aspects of patient care; and development of a support system to help patients live as actively as possible until death and to help the family cope during the patient's illness and in bereavement.

The Section on Palliative Care is staffed by a nurse practitioner, physician, pharmacist, and psychologist, all with expertise in palliative care, who work closely with primary care providers, social workers, and case managers to coordinate care.

The team works with physicians to manage symptoms such as pain, delirium, fatigue, anorexia, depression, anxiety, and shortness of breath. The program also provides emotional and psychological support for patients and their family members, helps discuss end-of-life issues, and develops appropriate treatments and discharge plans for terminally ill patients.