Palliative care can begin from the first diagnosis of a terminal illness, as many palliative interventions/treatments are used to manage the side effects of treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The need for palliative care support may change through the course of the illness. For example, as the disease responds to treatment, the need for palliative care input may decrease or it may be stopped until a further need arises.
Palliative care specialists are specifically trained in the area of pain management and controlling other distressing symptoms. These symptoms may include: nausea, vomiting, fatigue, constipation, shortness of breath, poor appetite, depression and other conditions associated with advanced cancer or illness.
The goal of palliative care is to relieve suffering and to improve quality of life for people facing complex and life threatening illness. The palliative care team at Mater Cancer Care Centres aim to maximise quality of life by:
- providing relief of symptoms from the cancer or from side effects of cancer treatments
- offering psychological, social support and spiritual care
- providing practical support and care for individuals and their families and carers
- helping to plan for future care needs
- providing advice and education about treatments and medications to ensure optimal benefits
- coordination and referrals for community palliative care support
- short-term inpatient care and outpatient review
- liaising with the other Mater Cancer Care Centre teams e.g. oncology and haematology
- providing end of life care
- providing access to bereavement support for carers and families
- providing advice to general practitioners
- linking patients with other members of the allied health team.
Palliative Care team
The palliative care doctors work in a close team with the palliative clinical nurse consultants (specialist palliative care nurses). The nurses and doctors work closely to ensure that you and your family are well supported.
Clinical trials
Clinical trials are also conducted in palliative care with the aim of improving the quality of life for patients. If trial therapies are available to you your doctor will discuss these options with you.