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[Principles of symptom control in palliative medicine]
1Abteilung f. Innere Medizin, Evang. Waldkrankenhaus Spandau, Berlin.
Zentralblatt Fur Chirurgie
|August 15, 1998
Summary
Palliative care provides total support for patients unresponsive to curative treatment, focusing on symptom control and quality of life. It addresses physical, psychosocial, and spiritual needs for patients and their families.
Area of Science:
- Palliative care research
- Symptom management
- Quality of life studies
Context:
- Focus shifts from cure to care when curative treatments are no longer effective.
- Palliative care addresses the holistic needs of patients, including body, mind, and spirit.
- It is crucial for managing distressing symptoms and improving patient well-being.
Purpose:
- To define the principles and strategies of palliative care.
- To highlight the importance of symptom control, particularly pain and dyspnea.
- To emphasize the role of psychosocial support for patients and families.
Summary:
- Palliative care is active total care for patients with advanced diseases, focusing on symptom management and enhancing quality of life.
- Key interventions include controlling pain, dyspnea, and psychosocial distress, while considering the patient's overall well-being and family support.
- Treatment decisions are guided by proportionality, ensuring benefits outweigh suffering, and involve shared decision-making with patients and families.
Impact:
- Improves quality of life for patients and families facing serious illness.
- Reduces suffering by effectively managing physical and psychosocial symptoms.
- Supports professional caregivers by mitigating occupational stress and burnout.