Non-cancer palliative care: Experience and challenges faced in a palliative program from Singapore. (February 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Seah, Soek Tian Angeline; Mok, Yingpei Karen; Chong, Kim Poh; Tan, Hui Nah; Kalachelvi, Athimoola; Wu, Huei Yaw
• Is Part Of: Progress in palliative care. Volume 22:Number 1(2014)
• Page Start: 20
• Page End: 25
• Publication Date: 2014-02
• Subjects: Palliative treatment -- Periodicals; Terminal care -- Periodicals; 616.02905
• DOI: 10.1179/1743291X13Y.0000000054
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0969-9260

Abstract

<abstract> <title> <x content-type="archive" xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <p>Palliative care espouses a holistic and multidisciplinary approach applicable to stages of disease in response to needs together with disease-modifying treatments, regardless of diagnosis. While cancer is the single most common killer disease, responsible for 28% of deaths in Singapore in 2007, non-cancer diseases accounted for more than twice that at 66%. Integrating palliative care for patients suffering from end-organ failure would balance curative measures with quality of life for our frailest patients, and support these patients during their final journey. This is only possible with close cooperation between palliative care teams and organ specialists. We report our experience and insights in managing non-cancer cases in an integrative model of care over the past 4 years. We find that most families and patients suffering from end stage non-cancer conditions are able to accept palliative care after honest communication and are able to talk about end-of-life plans. The majority of patients can achieve satisfactory symptom control, be cared for, and die in a place of their choice with the support of a palliative home care program without the need for frequent hospitalizations. Sustaining this model of care requires diligence, collaboration, and upgrading of skills based on coordinated resource allocation.</p> </abstract>