Public unaware of what palliative care entails

Palliative care is not necessarily end-of-life care and may in fact last for a number of years, but more than a third of us do not realise this, a survey has found.

Moreover, while pain management is an important part of palliative care, it also extends to looking after the patient’s psychological, social and spiritual needs as well as continuing to support families after a loved one has passed away.

The survey, the results of which are published today to coincide with the launch of Palliative Care Week, show many are confused about what this form of care actually entails.

Karen Charnley, head of the All Ireland Institute of Hospice and Palliative Care (AIIHPC), said members of the public needed to educate themselves so that they could discuss and plan appropriately “for all of the needs which a child, adult or older person has following diagnosis of an illness that will shorten or limit their life”.

The survey of public understanding of palliative care, commissioned by AIIHPC, found seven in 10 identified pain management as the most important element of a good experience of palliative care.

The survey also found that 35% of people were not aware that palliative care may be suitable for a number of years.

• 21% were not aware that the approach supports family, friends and carers during an illness and afterwards;
• 55% reported that they have a basic or minimal understanding of what palliative care involves;
• 85% did not believe that there is sufficient public understanding of palliative care.

Helen McEntee, minister of state for mental health and older people, said taht the aim of the Health Service Executive’s (HSE) National Clinical Programme for Palliative Care was to “alleviate fears and anxieties surrounding palliative care services”.

“This will help ensure that people with life-limiting conditions and their families can access palliative care services that best meet their needs,” she said.

The HSE’s national lead for palliative care, Sheilagh Reaper-Reynolds, encouraged the public to talk about palliative care within families and with health and social care professionals.

A series of information events will take place during the week.

www.thepalliativehub.com.