Palliative care is not just for the terminally ill - Physician

KUALA LUMPUR - Palliative care is often misunderstood as solely for those at the end of life. In reality, it plays a vital role in enhancing quality of life from the moment a serious diagnosis is made, rather than just during the final stages.

General physician at Sunway Medical Centre, Sunway City (SMC) Dr Hayati Yaakup emphasies that palliative care is not limited to terminal cases. Instead, it aims to improve the quality of life for individuals facing serious illnesses, helping them to live fully while managing their conditions.

"Palliative care isn’t just about managing physical pain; it also provides emotional and psychological support to patients and their families. Many people confuse it with hospice care,” she said.

Dr Hayati clarified that while hospice care is a part of palliative care, it is specifically for patients when treatment is no longer focused on curing the illness. Hospice care aims to manage symptoms during the remaining phase of life.

In contrast, she said palliative care is designed to improve the quality of life for patients and their loved ones throughout their entire healthcare journey.

"In a world where only 14 per cent of people globally receive the palliative care they need, it is crucial to expand this support, especially as Malaysia’s ageing population continues to grow," Dr. Hayati said.

She explained that palliative care is integrated into the healthcare process from diagnosis through treatment. It collaborates with various specialists, including oncologists, cardiologists, medical consultants, social workers, physiotherapists and spiritual advisors, to address the diverse needs of patients and their families.

The care journey begins with a thorough assessment and effective intervention at the diagnosis stage, continues with ongoing management during the advanced stages of illness and extends to end-of-life care when curative treatments are no longer effective.

"The primary goal is to alleviate symptoms and ensure patients enjoy the best possible quality of life. This approach also provides psychological support to family members and caregivers, helping them navigate the challenges of caregiving and cope with the eventual loss of their loved ones,” Dr Hayati added.

In Malaysia, palliative care is categorised into hospital-based and community-based hospices, primarily organised by non-governmental organisations (NGOs). This type of care is particularly beneficial for individuals suffering from chronic diseases, including cardiovascular diseases (38.5 per cent), cancer (34 per cent), chronic respiratory diseases (10.3per cent), AIDS (5.7per cent) and diabetes (4.6 per cent).

"Patients may struggle with symptoms like shortness of breath or pain with these diseases. Palliative care can alleviate these symptoms and help manage the comorbidities associated with the illness,” Dr Hayati said.

In cases of cancer, for example, palliative care plays a crucial role in helping patients manage the side effects of treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation, including nausea and vomiting. This support allows patients to live as fully as possible during their treatment.

Dr Hayati said that in addition to providing emotional support, palliative care offers practical assistance to patients’ families and caregivers. This includes patient care education, caregiver training, access to necessary equipment and spiritual guidance.

Importantly, palliative care can be introduced at any stage of a serious illness. It should not be viewed as a sign of giving up but rather as a compassionate approach that empowers patients and their families to live as actively as possible throughout their healthcare journey.

Recently, SMC organised its first SunMed Palliative Care Forum and Bazaar, attracting over 400 healthcare professionals and members of the public. The event aimed to highlight the vital aspects of palliative care in supporting patients and their families - physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Listed in the Worldwide Hospice and Palliative Care Alliance (WHPCD) Global Events 2024 directory, the forum featured a panel discussion with experts in the field and individuals with first-hand experience caring for those with serious illnesses.

Attendees also had the opportunity to visit booths from various hospitals, NGOs, and partners focused on enhancing palliative care services. - BERNAMA