Palliative Care For Patients with Advanced COPD in Primary Care

Praxis ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 110 (15) ◽  
pp. 902-906
Author(s):  
Tanja Fusi-Schmidhauser
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Palliative Care ◽  
Symptom Management ◽  
Quality Care ◽  
Symptom Burden ◽  
High Quality ◽  
High Quality Care ◽  
Care And Support ◽  
Care Approach ◽  
Advance Planning

Abstract. Patients with advanced COPD have a high symptom burden that is often multidimensional. Identification of patients who might benefit from palliative care through validated identification tools, multidimensional symptom management, and timely discussion of advance planning are elements of a palliative care approach for these patients and their families. Coordination among stakeholders providing care and support to these patients is central to ensuring high-quality care and meeting all of their needs.

Cancer Survivorship

2019 ◽  
pp. 530-538
Author(s):  
Anne Reb ◽  
Denice Economou
Keyword(s):  
Palliative Care ◽  
Supportive Care ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Advanced Cancer ◽  
Cancer Survivorship ◽  
Symptom Management ◽  
Symptom Burden ◽  
Physical Symptoms ◽  
Fear Of Recurrence ◽  
Care Approach

Cancer survivors are living longer as a result of treatment advances, and, for those with advanced cancer, there is more uncertainty regarding prognosis and future needs. Survivors will need support to manage long-term side effects including physical and emotional concerns such as fear of recurrence and uncertainty. The palliative care approach to cancer survivors includes assessment of physical, psychological, social, family, and spiritual concerns. Psychosocial, emotional, and spiritual concerns may contribute to physical symptoms, a fact that supports the importance of a holistic and comprehensive approach to symptom management. Referrals to palliative or supportive care should be based on patient and caregiver needs rather than on prognosis. Survivors with advanced cancer or high symptom burden should be referred to interdisciplinary palliative care teams. Survivors in transition from active treatment and those in remission may benefit from early referrals to rehabilitation services to help improve function and manage common symptoms. A comprehensive geriatric assessment can help to identify health concerns and the need for supportive care interventions. This chapter will discuss considerations for incorporating palliative care during the cancer survivorship trajectory; common symptoms and assessment strategies; communication challenges; and a brief overview of nonpharmacologic approaches to symptom management.

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