Palliative Approach to Care vs. Palliative Care Specialist
These two terms get mixed up a lot. Here's the difference.
A palliative care specialist (such as a palliative physician, nurse or social worker) has formal training and certification in symptom control, complex decision making and end-of-life care. They focus on clinical expertise and managing complex cases.
A palliative approach is a broad, team-based way of caring for people with a serious, life-limiting illness, aimed at improving quality of life. It can be provided by any health care provider in any setting, including hospital, hospice, clinic, home, long term care and retirement homes. It offers holistic physical, psychological, social and spiritual support to patient and family.
A palliative approach can run alongside curative or disease modifying treatment. A specialist may be involved at a point in time, sharing care with your core team, or in complex situations act as primary provider. Learn more at ppsmcneo.ca.
