Post A Description Of Perceptions Of Palliative Care ✓ Solved

Post a description of perceptions of palliative care from the

Post a description of perceptions of palliative care from the perspective of a patient, caregiver, and social worker. Then, explain the roles of social workers in providing palliative care. Compare and contrast the fundamental differences between palliative care and hospice care. Explain medical conditions where you might consider palliative care over hospice care for a patient. Justify your position. Use examples to illustrate your case.

Paper For Above Instructions

Palliative care is a specialized area of healthcare that focuses on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of serious illnesses. The primary goal is to enhance the quality of life for both the patient and their family. This paper delves into the perceptions of palliative care from three different perspectives: that of the patient, the caregiver, and the social worker. Additionally, it discusses the vital roles that social workers play in palliative care, contrasts palliative care with hospice care, and outlines specific medical conditions where palliative care may be preferred over hospice care.

Patient's Perspective on Palliative Care

From a patient's perspective, palliative care is often perceived as a supportive service that comes alongside their treatment journey. Many patients initially confuse palliative care with end-of-life care, believing that it signifies the absence of curative treatments. This misconception can lead to stigma and reluctance to engage in palliative services. However, patients who understand the role of palliative care report feeling a sense of relief as it addresses their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs during difficult times. They appreciate having a team that not only manages pain and other distressing symptoms but also advocates for their preferences in treatment options.

Caregiver's Perspective on Palliative Care

Caregivers often perceive palliative care as an essential support structure that mitigates the immense pressures associated with caring for a loved one with a serious illness. They see palliative care as a resource that provides guidance on disease management, emotional support, and respite to alleviate their caregiving burden. Many caregivers express gratitude for the comprehensive approach that palliative care embraces, which includes discussions about prognosis and goals of care, allowing them to make informed decisions alongside healthcare providers. This collaborative effort often fosters trust and a sense of teamwork in the caregiving process.

Social Worker’s Perspective on Palliative Care

Social workers view palliative care as a critical component of holistic patient care. Their perspective emphasizes the importance of addressing the psychosocial aspects of dealing with serious illness, such as anxiety, depression, and family dynamics. Social workers are trained to provide emotional support, facilitate communication between the patient and healthcare team, and connect families to resources and services that can enhance their coping strategies. They are advocates for the patient’s preferences and ensure that social determinants of health are considered in care planning.

Roles of Social Workers in Palliative Care

Social workers play several vital roles in the palliative care team, including:

• Emotional Support: Social workers provide counseling to patients and families, helping them navigate the emotional challenges associated with serious illness.
• Care Coordination: They act as liaisons between patients and medical teams, ensuring communication about treatment goals and preferences.
• Resource Connection: Social workers help families access community resources, financial assistance, and support groups, which can be critical for coping.
• Advocacy: They advocate for the patient’s preferences and needs, ensuring that they are at the center of the care plan.

Comparing and Contrasting Palliative Care and Hospice Care

While both palliative care and hospice care are designed to enhance quality of life for patients with serious illnesses, they differ fundamentally in several ways:

• Timing of Care: Palliative care can be provided at any stage of the illness, alongside curative treatments. In contrast, hospice care is specifically for patients who are in the final months of life and have chosen to stop curative treatment.
• Focus of Care: Palliative care addresses the holistic needs of patients, aiming to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life, while hospice care primarily focuses on comfort and quality of life at the end of life.
• Care Team Composition: Palliative care teams may include a diverse range of healthcare professionals working collaboratively to manage various aspects of care. Hospice teams primarily focus on the patient’s comfort in the final stages of life, often consisting of similar healthcare professionals but with a strict emphasis on end-of-life care.

Medical Conditions for Palliative Care over Hospice Care

Certain medical conditions may warrant palliative care instead of hospice care. For example:

• Chronic Heart Failure: Patients experiencing severe symptoms may benefit from palliative care to manage symptoms while still receiving treatments aimed at prolonging life.
• Cancer: For patients undergoing specific cancer treatments who struggle with significant pain or side effects, palliative care can be used to manage symptoms effectively without cessation of curative attempts.
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Patients with severe COPD can receive palliative care to alleviate dyspnea and improve life quality, even as they continue with their treatment regime.

In these cases, palliative care focuses not only on symptom management but also on the holistic support needed by the patient and their families as they navigate complex medical decisions.

Conclusion

The perceptions of palliative care vary significantly depending on the perspective—from patients who seek comfort and understanding to caregivers who desire support for their loved ones, to social workers who focus on the comprehensive needs of the individuals and families. The roles of social workers in providing palliative care are integral to the overall support system, emphasizing communication, resource facilitation, and advocacy. Understanding the distinctions between palliative and hospice care is essential for making informed decisions about patient care, particularly in choosing the appropriate path based on medical conditions and individual patient needs.

References

• National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization. (2021). About Palliative Care.
• World Health Organization. (2020). Palliative Care: Key Facts.
• Field, M. J., & Behrman, R. E. (2015). When Children Die: Improving Palliative and End-of-Life Care for Children and Their Families. National Academies Press.
• Meier, D. E., & Beresford, L. (2019). Palliative Care: A Practical Guide. Oxford University Press.
• Harrison, J. & Hodge, S. (2020). The Role of Social Workers in Palliative Care. Journal of Social Work in Palliative & End-of-Life Care, 16(3), 215-230.
• Givens, J. L., & Torke, A. M. (2018). Understanding Palliative Care: A New Perspective on Serious Illness. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, 55(6), 1562-1570.
• Kavalieratos, D., et al. (2016). Advance Care Planning and End-of-Life Care. Health Affairs, 35(5), 859-865.
• Tse, Y., & Ho, R. (2021). Palliative Care Options for Serious Illness. The Clinical Journal of Pain, 37(8), 603-610.
• Cohen, R. A., et al. (2019). Palliative Care Approaches for Patients with Chronic Illnesses. American Family Physician, 100(2), 106-112.
• Walczak, A., & Clarke, A. (2019). The Intersection of Palliative Care and Social Work. Social Work in Health Care, 58(5), 470-486.