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Palliative Care

Shuli Avrahami;  Eti Arbel
30 May 2024

Palliative Care is intended for patients with terminal and life-threatening diseases, from the time of diagnosis until the bereavement period, providing assistance to both patients and their families.

Palliative care varies for each patient, adapting to their condition and evolving needs throughout the different stages of the disease.

The role of the multidisciplinary healthcare team is to evaluate the patient’s condition, by considering various important factors, including diagnosis, underlying conditions, the nature of the disease, and the effectiveness of the therapy. Following a comprehensive range of tests and concurrent medical treatment, a referral to palliative care may be recommended. Palliative care addresses a range of syndromes and provides individualized medical care, tailored to the specific needs of each patient, including the management of various symptoms, with varying levels of intensity.

Palliative care can be initiated at the diagnostic stage to provide a holistic approach to meet the patient's needs. The primary goal is to alleviate suffering and pain while addressing the physical, psychological, and spiritual aspects of each patient.

One of the principles of palliative care is taking healthcare decisions together with the patients and their families according to their values, beliefs, and therapeutic preferences. Suggestion may be made for executing a medical power of attorney and providing advance medical directives.

The patients receive therapy from a multidisciplinary team of professionals, which typically includes a doctor, a nurse, an occupational therapist, a dietitian, a physiotherapist, a speech therapist, and spiritual support. This comprehensive support method addresses the physical, mental, and spiritual needs of the patient, considering their diagnosis and individual requirements.

Palliative care is administered both within hospital settings and in the community through home hospitalization by the HMO or in institutional frameworks.

Palliative care is a supportive care approach aimed at promoting the quality of life for patients with terminal and life-threatening diseases and their families.

This is a therapeutic approach designed to promote the quality of life and help alleviate pain and suffering experienced by patients of all ages who are facing terminal and life-threatening illnesses.

Palliative care is provided by a multidisciplinary team for comprehensive support, encompassing the physical, mental, and spiritual needs of the patients, according to their medical diagnosis and personal requirements.

One of the core principles of palliative care involves engaging in discussions to align expectations between patients and their family members. These conversations involve determining therapeutic preferences and making healthcare decisions in line with the patient's values, beliefs, worldview, and individual preferences. It is possible to obtain explanations and assistance in executing a medical power of attorney and advance medical directives.

Palliative care is designed for patients with terminal and life-threatening diseases

Despite advancements in technology and medicine, there are certain diseases that remain incurable. Examples include chronic conditions like various forms of cancer, advanced heart failure, progressive chronic lung disease, acute renal insufficiency, and degenerative diseases such as dementia and other neurological disorders.

When should the need for palliative care be considered

Following the diagnosis of a terminal disease, it is possible to obtain a referral to palliative care. There are various considerations in making the decision. A comprehensive assessment of the patient's condition is conducted by a doctor or a nurse, which includes evaluating the prognosis of the disease, the effectiveness of treatment, any underlying conditions, and the overall personal condition of the patient.

Palliative care can be initiated concurrently with medical treatment to address and alleviate various symptoms such as pain, nausea, weakness, and more.

Palliative care options

Palliative care complements medical treatment and is an integral part of the overall healthcare service. It is possible to receive palliative care in the following fields:

  • Medical treatment: Stabilization and treatment of symptoms, alleviating suffering and preventing pain, including administering painkillers to alleviate anxiety, pain, and other symptoms of the disease such as fatigue, nausea, sleep problems, and more.
  • Emotional Support: Addressing issues related to coping with emotional health of the patient and their family members, including promoting communication between family members and preparation for the following stages.
  • Information and ongoing support: Offering extensive emotional support, aiding in the decision-making process, ensuring the accessibility of information, and assisting in the exercise of rights.

Palliative care in the community

Palliative care varies for each patient, adapting to their condition and evolving needs throughout the different stages of the disease.

Most people suffering from a chronic or terminal disease choose to stay within their community and with their family.

Home hospitalization (home hospice) is an available option that can be obtained within the community through the services provided by the HMOs.

Local authorities: it is worth noting that local authorities offer different programs for caregiving family members. For more information it is recommended to reach out to the local authority in your place of residence.

HMO Inquiries

The caregiving teams

  • A designated multidisciplinary team, specializing and skilled in the principles of palliative care, offers comprehensive support and treatment for various aspects managed by healthcare professionals: a doctor, a nurse, a social worker, an occupational therapist, a dietitian, a physiotherapist, a speech therapist, and a spiritual support.
  • The aim of the multidisciplinary team is to provide the patient with comprehensive and all-encompassing support, which will respond to the physical, emotional, and spiritual condition of the patient according to their diagnosis and needs, while upholding their dignity and assisting in maintaining community life.
  • If necessary, additional healthcare professionals will be recruited to provide care and support with the aim of promoting the patient’s quality of life.
    A great importance is attributed to the coordination among various healthcare providers to ensure the continuity of treatment.
  • The role of the staff and the entire system is to offer support and companionship to the family members as well, while also assisting them in coping with the challenges associated with having an ill family member.

Family members and palliative care

As part of palliative care, patients and their families are full partners in therapeutic decision-making and receive support and assistance in the exercise of rights.

Palliative treatment: part of the health basket services

The National Health Insurance law guarantees that high-quality healthcare services are accessible to all citizens of Israel, regardless of age or stage of life. This includes an appropriate treatment for incurable and life-threatening diseases.

The Dying Patient Law

The law expands the right to accept or decline medical treatment by allowing individuals to express their wishes in advance regarding future medical care. Palliative care is part of a national program designed to provide alleviating and supportive care, allowing for the documentation of therapeutic preferences for patients with a terminal or life-threatening disease as defined by law.

Read more about the law (Hebrew)

More on the subject (Hebrew)