Palliative care is a hospital-based philosophy and approach to care that focuses on the comfort and symptom management needs of patients with advanced illnesses. These patients are continuing curative therapies, such as surgery, radiation or chemotherapy.  Unlike Hospice, which has an admission guideline of a life expectancy of less than six months, palliative care is available to patients with a serious illness, regardless of life expectancy.  

The hospital-based palliative care program at Methodist Healthcare is a family-centered, culturally sensitive approach to the care of patients with life-limiting illnesses. In partnership with our physicians, healthcare staff, families and community, we provide total care for the patient's mind, body and spirit in order to restore comfort and dignity to their lives.  The goal of our hospital-based consultation is to enhance the quality of life while respecting the patient's wishes.  Our guiding principles are empathy, comfort, support and respect for life.

Palliative care may be appropriate when:

• A patient's pain and symptoms are becoming difficult to manage
• There is a decline in the patient's condition
• The focus of the patient's care is on comfort and quality of life
• Other treatment methods are no longer effective

We provide a team approach to patient care with invidualized plans developed to meet each patient's specific needs.  Our team includes physicians, nurses, pharmacists, social workers and chaplains.  We also provide support with physical, social, spiritual, advanced care planning and practical concerns.  Our team works together to provide:

• Pain and symptom control
• Support for family/caregivers
• Assistance with treatment decisions
• Improved quality of life at home or in the nursing home, hospital or hospice facility
• Support to help the patient live as actively as possible
• Assistance with determining the goals of care when faced with complex healthcare decisions
• Spiritual counseling
• Psychological counseling
• Grief and bereavement support for family members

To view our Palliative Care Program brochure, click here.

To meet our Hospice and Palliative Care team, click here.

For more information about the Palliative Care Program at Methodist Healthcare, please call 901.516.1600.