Hospice care and palliative care are specialized forms of care that support people with life-altering, serious illnesses, but their goals and objectives differ. Hospice care is a concept and program of care designed to reduce suffering and improve the well-being and quality of life of people with terminal illnesses. Palliative care is specialized medical care that aims to improve the symptoms and overall experience of people with serious illnesses. Hospice Care Hospice care is a concept and program of care designed to reduce suffering, particularly for dying individuals and their families. In the United States, hospice care is the only comprehensive program widely available to support people with serious illnesses in their homes. Hospice programs forgo most diagnostic tests and life-prolonging treatments in favor of symptom relief. They also educate dying individuals and their families about appropriate care and comfort care. Although hospice programs do not aim to prolong life, good hospice care may extend life slightly, perhaps by avoiding the potentially serious side effects of surgery and intensive medication that people in other programs might receive. Hospice programs focus on symptom relief, comfort care, and emotional support for the patient and family. These hospice programs do not emphasize diagnostic testing, finding a cure, or prolonging life. In typical hospice care, a family member, a close friend, or both help make decisions for the person with a serious illness when they are unable or unwilling to participate. Therefore, the hospice team usually visits the person as often as needed, sometimes daily, and someone is available on call around the clock. Hospital staff receive specialized training to help manage symptoms, provide emotional and spiritual support, and offer practical healthcare training. A hospice team always includes a diverse group of professionals, such as physicians, nurses, social workers, and companions (e.g., home health aides), as well as speech, physical, and occupational therapists if needed. Pharmacists, dietitians, and other therapists may also be involved. The hospice team provides care for patients at home or in hospice facilities. While hospice staff do not typically provide care for people in hospitals and rehabilitation centers, many hospitals offer comprehensive care programs that address symptoms and assist with decision-making (palliative care services) for managing care-related issues. Hospice care programs vary in the services they offer and the treatments and equipment they utilize. The nature of care in hospice programs, which serve a specific individual and their family, depends on their needs and wishes, financial considerations, and the skills and capabilities of local programs. Hospice care can provide the most essential medical treatments, with physicians still playing a role. Nurses typically oversee the overall care plan, including administering medications, oxygen therapy, and intravenous lines or catheters, or other specialized equipment. Social workers and trained volunteers help address personal, spiritual, and financial matters. Hospice care plans help family members prepare for the challenges of a loved one's death and cope with the situation at the time of passing, including their roles and how to access necessary support. Most dying people also need some help with daily activities (for example, dressing, bathing, and preparing food), and some may require full-time care. This care is often provided by family members and friends, and hospice or family care facilities can provide additional paid assistance from home health aides. Palliative Care Palliative care aims to improve quality of life by helping people identify their care goals and alleviate distressing symptoms, psychosocial stress, and spiritual anguish. Palliative care is compatible with many inpatient or life-prolonging treatments. For example, the palliative aspect of care focuses on managing pain or delirium in a person with liver failure who is still on the liver transplant waiting list. However, saying that a person's focus has shifted from inpatient to supportive care or from treatment to palliative care may be an oversimplification of the complex decision-making process. Most people with serious illnesses require a combination of treatments to correct, prevent, or alleviate the effects of various illnesses and disabilities. Palliative care can be provided by individual healthcare professionals, multidisciplinary teams, and hospice programs. Individual palliative care professionals focus on identifying and treating pain and other distressing symptoms. Multidisciplinary palliative care teams consist of many professionals (such as physicians, nurses, social workers, and others) who work with primary care physicians and specialists to alleviate physical, psychosocial, and spiritual distress. Prof. Dr. Muna Abdulwahab Khaleel University of Al-Mustaqbal / College of Nursing
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