Oncology Palliative Medicine

Palliative Medicine, also known as palliative care, is patient and family-centered care that optimizes quality of life, and an essential part of cancer care, regardless of the stage of the disease or the need for treatment.

The oncology team provides palliative care in addition to treatment, following evidence-based national treatment guidelines. 

Cancer patients are assessed for palliative care needs at first visit and as clinically indicated. Part of this assessment is to discuss benefits and burdens of treatment, symptoms, goals and expectations of care, financial toxicity, distress, educational needs, cultural factors that may affect care, and advance care planning. Throughout your treatment, the oncology team continually monitors and anticipates needs to provide the best quality of life for the patient, and support caregivers as well. 

Specialty palliative care is available to assist the oncology team with patient and caregiver needs and is also available for patients admitted to the hospital. Our specialty palliative care team includes a nurse practitioner, social worker, case managers, chaplains, and other professionals as needed.