An Explanation of Palliative Care NHPCO’s Standards of Practice
for Hospice Programs describes palliative care as: Treatment
that enhances comfort and improves the quality of an
individual’s life during the last phase of life. No specific
therapy is excluded from consideration. The test of palliative
care lies in the agreement between the individual, physician(s),
primary caregiver, and the hospice team that the expected
outcome is relief from distressing symptoms, the easing of pain,
and/or enhancing the quality of life. The decision to intervene
with active palliative care is based on an ability to meet
stated goals rather than affect the underlying disease. An
individual’s needs must continue to be assessed and all
treatment options explored and evaluated in the context of the
individual’s values and symptoms. The individual’s choices and
decisions regarding care are paramount and must be followed.
Clinical Practice Guidelines for Quality Palliative Care
Released - On March 26, 2013 the National Consensus