Top Ten Tips Palliative Care Clinicians Should Know Before Their Patient Undergoes Surgery

Area of Science:

• Medical Ethics
• Palliative Care
• Surgical Care

Background:

• Seriously ill patients frequently require surgical interventions.
• Palliative care clinicians can enhance perioperative care, despite potential unfamiliarity with surgical nuances.
• The perioperative period presents significant medical, psychosocial, and relational risks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To guide palliative care clinicians in providing patient-centered and goal-concordant care during the perioperative period.
• To highlight the valuable role of palliative care in navigating complex risks surrounding surgery.
• To offer practical strategies for palliative care engagement with surgical patients and teams.

Main Methods:

• The article provides ten practical tips for palliative care clinicians.
• It draws on the expertise of surgeons, anesthesiologists, and palliative medicine specialists.
• Focuses on facilitating communication and goal alignment in perioperative settings.

Main Results:

• Palliative care consultations can bridge gaps in patient and clinician expectations.
• These consultations aid in symptom management continuity and surrogate decision-making.
• Palliative care supports discussions on code status modifications and intervention goal-concordance.

Conclusions:

• Palliative care clinicians are well-positioned to manage perioperative risks and enhance patient care.
• Integrating palliative care principles ensures goal-concordant interventions for surgical patients.
• This article equips clinicians with tools for comprehensive perioperative palliative care discussions.