Palliative care is often misunderstood as care given to those who are nearing the end of their life. In actuality, it is about enhancing quality of life from the moment a serious diagnosis is given, not just in the final stages.
Dr Hayati Yaakup, consultant general physician at a medical centre in Sunway City, Kuala Lumpur, highlights the profound impact of palliative care on patients and their families, emphasising that it’s not limited to terminal cases.
Palliative care, she explained, aims to improve the quality of life for those with serious illnesses, offering them the best chance to live fully while managing their condition.
“It isn’t just about managing physical pain; it also provides emotional and psychological support to both patients and their families,” she said.
“Many confuse it with hospice care, which is a part of the broader scope of palliative care. But hospice care is specifically intended for those whose illness no longer responds to curative treatments, typically in the final months of their life.
“Palliative care, on the other hand, focuses on improving quality of life for patients and their loved ones throughout the entire journey.”
In a world where only 14% of people globally receive palliative care, this underscores the importance of expanding awareness and support, especially as Malaysia’s ageing population continues to grow.
Understanding palliative care
Starting at diagnosis and continuing through treatment, pallialitve care works alongside specialists like oncologists and cardiologists to offer both physical and emotional support to patients and their families.
It involves a multidisciplinary team – medical consultants, social workers, physiotherapists, and religious figures – to address the diverse needs of patients and their loved ones.
In Malaysia, palliative care can be hospital- or community-based, the latter primarily organised by non-governmental organisations. While both categories involve healthcare professionals, community-based care is especially beneficial for patients who prefer not to remain in a hospital.
Unlike traditional medical care, palliative care focuses on treating the disease holistically and is patient-centred. It may be suitable for those who suffer from conditions including cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory disease, AIDS, and diabetes.
“Palliative care can help alleviate symptoms and manage comorbidities 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,” Hayati outlined.
“By integrating palliative care into the overall healthcare plan, patients can continue to receive treatment for their illness while benefiting from the additional support it provides.”
She also noted the role of palliative care as emotional and spiritual support for patients’ families and caregivers.
“Beyond emotional care, they can also obtain 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,” she said.
Finally, Hayati stresses 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.