Palliative Medicine

What is Palliative Medicine？

Palliative medicine, also known as palliative care, is a specialised medical approach focused on improving the quality of life for patients facing serious illnesses. It aims to provide relief from pain, symptoms, and the emotional and psychological distress associated with the illness. It addresses physical, emotional, and spiritual needs through a personalised care plan developed by an interdisciplinary team. Palliative care includes pain management, psychosocial support, communication assistance, and coordination of care. It can be initiated at any stage of illness and coexists with curative treatments. It promotes open communication, helps with complex decisions, and supports patients and families. Overall, palliative medicine provides comprehensive and compassionate care for patients and their families. 

Why choose Prince Court Palliative Medicine?

Expertise and Specialisation

When considering why to choose Prince Court Palliative Medicine, several compelling factors set us apart. Firstly, our team at Prince Court comprises experts in palliative care, bringing specialised knowledge and extensive experience to ensure exceptional care and effective management of complex symptoms, including end-of-life care. We understand the unique challenges and needs of patients nearing the end of life, and our dedicated team is equipped to provide compassionate and comprehensive support during this sensitive time.

Comprehensive Approach

Secondly, our approach at Prince Court Palliative Medicine is comprehensive, addressing not only physical symptoms but also emotional, social, and spiritual well-being. We recognise that end-of-life care requires a holistic approach, and our team is trained to provide support not only to patients but also to their families and loved ones. We offer counselling services and bereavement support to help individuals navigate the emotional challenges associated with terminal illnesses and loss. Our aim is to enhance the quality of life for patients and provide comfort and solace to their families throughout the end-of-life journey. 

Patient-Centred Care

In addition to our focus on comprehensive care, we prioritise patient-centred care and actively involve patients in decision-making. We believe that patients should have a voice in their care, even during the end-of-life stage. Our team fosters open communication, listens to patients' goals and preferences, and ensures that their wishes are respected. We facilitate discussions on treatment options, including pain management techniques such as epidurals and sedation if appropriate, and provide guidance to help patients and their families make informed choices aligned with their values and desires.

Personalised and Collaborative Care

At Prince Court Palliative Medicine, an interdisciplinary team works closely together to provide personalised and well-rounded care. Our team consists of palliative medicine doctors, nurses, social workers, counsellors, and specialists who collaborate to address the unique needs of each patient. This collaborative approach ensures that all aspects of a patient's care are considered, from pain management to emotional support and coordination of services. We work alongside other healthcare providers, including surgeons and specialists, to develop comprehensive care plans tailored to individual needs, including the integration of epidurals and sedation when necessary for symptom management.

Palliative Care Beyond Cancer

In Prince Court Medical Centre, palliative care is provided to cancer patients, assisting them in managing symptoms such as pain, fatigue, nausea, and emotional distress, as well as supporting them through the side effects of cancer treatments. Additionally, we also offer palliative care to patients with heart diseases, respiratory diseases, neurological diseases, kidney diseases, and other chronic illnesses. Our focus is on disease symptom management, improving quality of life, and supporting patients and their families throughout the progression of the diseases.

Continuity of Care

Continuity of care is paramount in our approach. We ensure seamless coordination across healthcare settings, facilitating smooth transitions between inpatient and outpatient care. If a patient transitions from the hospital to home care, we work closely with home healthcare providers to maintain consistent support and minimise disruptions. Creating a supportive environment is integral to our practice, providing emotional support, guidance, and access to resources for patients and families. For example, we organise support groups and connect individuals with community resources to help them navigate their journey with added support.

In summary, choosing Prince Court Palliative Medicine means opting for a team of experts who provide comprehensive, patient-centred care. Our expertise, comprehensive approach, interdisciplinary collaboration, patient involvement, continuity of care, and supportive environment contribute to an exceptional palliative care experience, improving the well-being and comfort of our patients facing serious illnesses. 

Palliative Medicine Procedures

• Pain management – procedures like nerve blocks or injections is performed to alleviate pain and improve comfort
• Symptom control – to address symptoms such as nausea, shortness of breath, and fatigue through medications, non-pharmacological interventions, and procedures like fluid drainage
• Psychosocial support – provide counselling and guidance for emotional well-being and end-of-life decisions
• End-of-life care – involves providing comfort measures to patients, discussing hospice care as an option, and offering emotional support to patients and their families during this challenging time