Session Description: 39. PALLIATIVE CARE: FROM CURE TO CARE | Dr. Chikal Patel, Sandy Severson

Palliative care is a medical specialty that focuses on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of serious illness.  The goal is to improve quality of life for both the patient and the family.  Palliative care is provided by a specially-trained team of doctors, nurses, and other specialists who work together with a patient’s other doctors to provide an extra layer of support. It is appropriate at any age and at any stage in a serious illness, and it can be provided along with curative treatment. This session will give an overview of palliative care, the scope of practice within the palliative care team, and how to increase access to the senior population.