Palliative care

The legal definition of palliative care varies between each Australian State and Territory. Generally however palliative care is an act or omission, medical procedure or other measures to maintain or improve the comfort of a person who is, or would otherwise be, subject to pain and suffering. Some definitions also refer to it as the relief of pain, suffering and discomfort.

In practice, palliative care is broad and can include pain medication, oxygen, intravenous or nasogastric feeding, delivery of blood products, anti-nausea medication and anti-anxiety medication. Counselling and spiritual interventions may also provide palliative care.

Palliative care is aimed at ensuring dignity, compassion, equity and respect for the person at the end of life. In Queensland there is palliative care services available for adults and there is one available for children.  Your palliative care team will be able to answer any questions you have, and your questions will likely change over time. Here are some questions that you may ask:

• What is palliative care?
• Will anything be lost by opting for palliative care?
• How long do other people with this illness usually live?
• What will my quality of life be?
• What might I expect in the future with pain and other symptoms?
• Are there treatments which will lead to recovery?
• Are there treatments that will extend life?
• What are the side effects of treatment or medication?
• I am worried that….. will happen. What can be done to prevent it or alleviate it?
• Can you advise me on committing to a holiday or event in the future?
• What are good days going to be like?
• What are bad days going to be like?
• How can I explain what is happening to others?