Palliative Care
HHS published information regarding a newly launched Palliative Care Education and Information Program. The online program is a resource that educates Texans about end of life care and support by offering assistance and tools for patients, families and providers. According to Jimmy Blanton, director of HHSC’s Health Quality Institute in the Quality and Program Improvement section, the program, a result of a House Bill 1874, was implemented to “address some of the misconceptions around palliative care”
“It’s not just end-of-life care, although it does include an end-of-life component. And it’s not just for the patient — it’s also for the family and other loved ones. It’s an additional layer of support from the pain and stress associated with serious illness.”
Palliative Care focuses on two areas of care: Hospice Care which occurs with terminal ill individuals who can no longer receive effective therapy. Either the patient or a family member can determine options for care.
The secondary area of Palliative care is the management of pain and comfort level preparedness. This type of Supportive Care will or can allow interventions for therapy and care in the form of a cure or remission. For this level of care that supports the improvement of time and quality of life there are many degrees of assistance offered by family, friends, interdisciplinary team of doctors, nurses, social workers, chaplains and other supportive specialists. You can visit the new Palliative care website here
