When faced with a serious illness, every patient has unique challenges, fears, and goals. Personalized palliative care acknowledges this individuality, offering a tailored approach to managing symptoms, coordinating care, and supporting emotional well-being.
“Palliative care is about meeting patients where they are, supporting them, and helping them navigate the complexities of their disease with dignity and compassion,” explains Morgan Wiland-Gress, an advanced practice provider in palliative care at OhioHealth
Palliative care teams are typically made up of a diverse group of care providers, including nurses, nurse practitioners, physicians, social workers, pharmacists and chaplains. Through close collaboration, these experts approach care as a personalized, whole-person experience for patients diagnosed with serious illnesses like cancer, heart failure and dementia. They also provide comprehensive support to patients’ families.
Personalized care begins with understanding
The palliative care journey begins with an in-depth understanding of the patient’s life before their diagnosis. “We sit down with patients and families to understand their day-to-day lives, what they value, their support systems and their worries,” says Wiland-Gress. “This helps us tailor a care plan that aligns with their goals and priorities.”
Key steps in this initial phase might include:
- Discussing the patient’s medical history and understanding the trajectory of their illness.
- Reviewing communication gaps and ensuring patients have accurate, accessible information about their diagnosis.
- Establishing advanced care plans, including identifying decision-makers and discussing the patient’s wishes for care during potential medical crises.
Embracing a holistic perspective
Once the palliative care team knows more about the patient, they prioritize symptom management to improve the patient’s quality of life. Different illnesses present distinct challenges, and palliative care teams adapt to meet these needs. They focus on managing physical symptoms such as pain, shortness of breath or fatigue, while also addressing emotional and psychological needs.
For example, a cancer patient may receive medications for nausea and support for managing “chemo brain,” while a heart failure patient may focus on strategies to reduce breathlessness.
“Managing symptoms like pain or shortness of breath isn’t just about relief — it’s about enabling patients to interact with loved ones and participate in life,” says Wiland-Gress.
This holistic care extends beyond physical symptoms to address mental health, anxiety and spiritual concerns too. “When patients feel short of breath, they often spiral into anxiety, so we look at treating both symptoms together,” explains Wiland-Gress. Social workers and chaplains are integral team members, helping patients process fears and find meaning during challenging times.
The team employs different strategies for each patient to help them work through the most challenging emotional aspects of their illnesses. They may help patients cope with anxiety and depression through non-pharmacological methods like relaxation techniques and art therapy.
Facilitating legacy-building activities, such as writing letters, recording memories, or creating keepsakes for loved ones, can help with emotional healing and allow patients to feel present even after they’re gone. Furthermore, providing spiritual care tailored to the patient’s beliefs, whether through prayer, counseling, or connecting them with their faith community, ensures that every aspect of a patient’s well-being is considered.
Families also deserve personalized support
Palliative care includes significant support for families and caregivers, recognizing that they too are deeply affected by the patient’s illness.“Families often act as caregivers, and it’s important they know we’re here to support them too,” says Wiland-Gress. “Our team ensures families feel included by setting up conversations with everyone the patient identifies as part of their support system.”
Families receive education on the patient’s condition, guidance on care routines, and emotional counseling to help navigate the complexities of medical decision-making. Beyond education, families are encouraged to participate in care planning to ensure alignment with the patient’s wishes.
The team may help mediate family dynamics, offering a safe space for discussions about care priorities or future transitions, such as hospice. Caregiver stress is also addressed through resources like counseling and support groups, which can provide much-needed relief and validation.
Advanced care planning is another critical aspect of tailored care. This includes discussing future medical decisions, identifying healthcare proxies, and ensuring patients feel empowered in their choices. “We guide patients and families through tough conversations to ensure they understand their options and feel confident about their care plans,” Wiland-Gress adds.
These discussions can include preparing the patient’s family and support system for the moments and decisions you never prepare for, like:
- Establishing healthcare power of attorney.
- Understanding the implications of resuscitation and other medical interventions.
- Planning for future care needs, including home-based services or hospice transitions if necessary.
Collaboration and early involvement
Collaboration between the palliative care team and the patient’s other healthcare providers is essential for seamless care. Wiland-Gress explains, “We work closely with specialists to ensure that treatments align with the patient’s goals and address any communication gaps between providers.” This can help take some stress off the patient and their family, as well as provide them with clarity to the journey ahead.
The benefits of early palliative care involvement cannot be overstated. “Ideally, palliative care starts with a diagnosis of a serious condition, even if symptoms aren’t yet severe,” says Wiland-Gress. Early integration allows the care team to build trust, anticipate potential challenges, and provide proactive support.
Every patient’s journey with a serious illness is unique. Personalized palliative care ensures that the care provided is as individual as the person receiving it. Whether it’s managing symptoms, addressing emotional challenges, or creating moments of connection with loved ones, the care team’s goal is to enhance the patient’s quality of life.“Everybody copes differently and has a different idea of what quality of life means to them,” says Wiland-Gress. “For us, it’s about meeting patients where they are and supporting them.”
Learn more about palliative care at OhioHealth.
