PALLIATIVE CARE

Course overview

THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION CHARACTERIZES THE FIELD OF PALLIATIVE CARE AS A FORM OF SPECIALIZED MEDICAL CARE WHICH AIMS TO OPTIMIZE THE QUALITY OF LIFE AND ALLEVIATE THE SUFFERING OF PATIENTS. ONE OF THE PRIMARY WAYS TO ACHIEVE THIS IS THROUGH EARLY IDENTIFICATION AND TREATMENT OF NEW SYMPTOMS ALONG WITH THE MANAGEMENT OF THOSE THAT PROVE REFRACTORY. THIS ACTIVITY REVIEWS PALLIATIVE CARE AND HIGHLIGHTS THE ROLE OF THE INTERPROFESSIONAL TEAM IN EVALUATING AND TREATING PATIENTS NEAR THE END OF LIFE USING AN APPROPRIATELY TRAINED TEAM OF PROFESSIONALS.