Palliative care includes managing disease symptoms so that patients can enjoy the best possible quality of life. — Freepik
Palliative care is often misunderstood as care solely for those nearing the very end of life.
However, in reality, it is so much more.
It is about enhancing the quality of life from the moment a serious diagnosis is given, not just in the final stages.
Consultant general physician Dr Hayati Yaakup notes that palliative care aims to improve the quality of life for those with serious illnesses, offering them the best chance to live fully while managing their condition.
She explains: “Palliative care isn’t just about managing physical pain; it also provides emotional and psychological support to both patients and their families.
“Many confuse it with hospice care.
“To clarify, hospice care is a part of palliative care, but is only for patients when treatment is no longer aimed to cure and focuses on managing symptoms during the remaining phase of life.
“Palliative care, on the other hand, focuses on improving the quality of life for patients and their loved ones throughout the entire journey.”
Indeed, one of her patients had this misconception, believing that their doctors had given up on them when they referred them to palliative care, as the patient thought it meant end-of-life care exclusively.
Dr Hayati notes that palliative care can be introduced at any stage of a serious illness.
It is administered alongside ongoing treatment to improve the patient’s quality of life by managing symptoms and providing comprehensive support.
“It involves a multidisciplinary team – medical consultants, social workers, physiotherapists and religious figures – to address the diverse needs of patients and their loved ones.
“The care journey begins with a thorough assessment and effective intervention during the diagnosis stage and progresses through ongoing management in the advanced stages of illness, and extends to end-of-life care when curative treatments are no longer effective.
“The primary goal is to alleviate symptoms and ensure patients maintain the best possible quality of life.
“Additionally, this approach offers psychological support to family members and caregivers, helping them navigate the challenges of caregiving and cope with the eventual loss of their loved ones,” she says.
In a world where only 14% of patients receive the palliative care they need, this underscores the importance of expanding the support, especially as Malaysia’s ageing population continues to grow.
Patient-centred treatment
Palliative care in Malaysia can be categorised into hospital-based and community-based hospices, primarily organised by non-governmental organisations (NGOs), says Dr Hayati.
While both categories are tended by healthcare professionals, the latter is especially beneficial for patients who prefer not to remain in a hospital.
Unlike traditional medical care, palliative care is patient-centred and mainly focuses on treating the disease holistically, ensuring comfort in every aspect of the patient’s and family’s experiences.
For example, palliative care may be right for people suffering from chronic diseases like cardiovascular (heart) diseases, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases, AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) and diabetes.
Dr Hayati adds: “With these diseases, patients may struggle with symptoms like shortness of breath or pain.
“Palliative care can help alleviate the symptoms and manage the co-morbidities associated with the disease.
“In cases of cancer, it assists patients in managing the side effects of chemotherapy or radiation, such as nausea or vomiting, allowing them to live as fully as possible.
“By integrating palliative care into the overall healthcare plan, patients can continue to receive treatment for their illness, while also benefiting from the additional support that palliative care provides.”
She also notes that palliative care includes emotional and spiritual support for patients’ families and caregivers in navigating the challenges of their loved one’s illness.
“Beyond emotional care, they can also rely on palliative care providers for practical assistance such as patient care education, caregiver support and education, access to necessary equipment, and spiritual guidance, ensuring they are not alone throughout the entire process, even after the patient passes away.
“By offering consistent, compassionate and clear communication, palliative providers build trust and provide stable support systems for families and caregivers,” she shares.
Dr Hayati recounts a poignant case: “One month after my patient passed away, a family member returned to me for emotional support.
“He had fallen into depression, and his inability to manage the emotional strain was affecting his work and overall well-being.”
This highlights a crucial, often overlooked aspect of palliative care – that it extends beyond the patient’s passing.
In conclusion, she emphasises that palliative care should not be seen as a sign of giving up, but rather, as a compassionate approach that empowers patients and their families to live as actively as possible throughout the healthcare journey.
It is much more than just end-of-life care, it is about enhancing the quality of life at every stage of the illness.
