4.3 Pallative care
Palliative care is a multidisciplinary approach to symptom management, psychosocial support and assistance in identifying care goals for patients with serious illness and their families.
For patients in blast phase, early referral to palliative care can improve the quality of life and in some cases may have survival benefits.
The lead clinician should ensure patients receive timely and appropriate referral to palliative care services. Referral should be based on need rather than prognosis. Emphasise the value of palliative care in improving symptom management and quality of life to patients and their carers.
The ‘Dying to Talk’ resource may help health professionals when initiating discussions with patients about future care needs (see ‘More information’). Ensure that carers and families receive information, support and guidance about their role in palliative care (Palliative Care Australia 2018).
Patients, with support from their family or carer and treating team, should be encouraged to consider appointing a substitute decision-maker and to complete an advance care directive.
Refer to step 6 for a more detailed description of managing patients with refractory or relapsed disease.
More information
These online resources are useful:
