Need of Palliative Care Management Service in Kashmir
Palliative Care Service is of high importance in Kashmir, given the increasing burden of terminal illness and advanced cancer in the region. Currently, there is no organized unit under one roof where socio-psychological and spiritual support is provided with tender loving care, making it difficult for the affected individuals to navigate their last days. It is imperative that a Palliative Care Consultation Service unit be established in Kashmir hospitals, especially in teaching hospitals to address this pressing need and provide comprehensive care to those facing terminal illnesses.
What exactly does palliative care mean? Palliative (pal-lee-uh-tiv) care is a specialized form of care that provides symptom relief, comfort and support to individuals living with serious illnesses. If you or your dear one is living with a life-altering illness Palliative care team works to deliver the best care outcomes (results) available for your condition no matter your age, prognosis or whether you’re receiving treatments. The trained qualified palliative care providers help you live more comfortably — with the medical, social, spiritual and emotional support needed to cope with having a serious illness. It also provides support to caregivers and those impacted by a loved one’s condition.
In oncological care specialist field of palliative medicine has been identified as an extra layer of support that can be added to the care of patients with advanced cancer it will focus on unmet needs than disease stage and prognosis It consists of two models of palliative care:
1.Primary provided by oncology team 2.Specialist palliative care delivery by specially trained clinicians for complex needs Some patients with refractory symptoms complex psycho social situations need interdisciplinary specialist palliative care service a good palliative care unit provides good and satisfactory results in a multi-speciality hospital Certainly patients ,families, providers experience increased intensity of sufferings near the end of life and practical expertise I’m the care of dying is is recognised as an area where palliative care specialist can provide Assistance. ’. impending death and preparing the family for dying process is a part of palliative care to alleviate distress and prevent panic
Is palliative care service the same as pain clinic, hospice or end-of-life (hospice) care? No. Palliative care refers to relieving the symptoms of an incurable medical condition. Its focus is on easing stress and improving overall quality of life. Unlike hospice — which people often associate with end-of-life care — palliative care can benefit people of any age and at any stage of a serious illness.
Who needs palliative care? People with various conditions like terminal cancer,debilitating Nervous,musculoskeletal and cardiovascular disease etc.
Who provides palliative care? Palliative care teams include certified medical care providers and other specialists who can help you manage symptoms. They can also help you navigate the added stress and responsibilities that often accompany serious illnesses. Care team may include:Doctors.,Nurses.,Social workers.,Nutritionists.,Financial advisors.,Spiritual advisors -counsellors.
The Burden of Terminal Illness in Kashmir
Terminal illness, especially cancer, imposes a heavy burden not only on the patients but also on their families. Pain, suffering, emotional distress, and the uncertainty of the future take a toll on everyone involved. Despite these challenges, Kashmir lacks a dedicated, organized palliative care unit that can address the socio-psychological, physical, and spiritual needs of patients and their families. A comprehensive, multidisciplinary palliative care consultation service is the need of the hour.
Kashmir is witnessing an alarming rise in terminal illnesses, particularly cancers. According to recent reports, cancer cases have surged over the years, with many patients being diagnosed in advanced stages due to late detection and inadequate awareness. The lack of screening programs, fear of stigma, and inadequate access to specialized healthcare services have compounded the problem. Unfortunately, once the disease progresses to an advanced stage, the focus shifts to symptom management and improving the quality of life rather than curative treatment. This is where palliative care becomes essential.
Current Gaps in Kashmir’s Healthcare System:
The lack of a dedicated Palliative Care Consultation Service exacerbates the suffering of patients and their families, who are left without the holistic care, support and services they desperately need during such challenging times that can significantly enhance their quality of life in their final days. Palliative care focuses on improving the quality of life for patients facing serious illnesses, offering relief from pain and other distressing symptoms while addressing their psychological, social, and spiritual needs. Many hospitals provide some form of symptom management for terminally ill patients, but these services are fragmented and often fail to address the broader emotional, social, and spiritual needs of patients.
The Need for an Organized Palliative Care Unit in Kashmir
The establishment of a dedicated palliative care unit and consultation service in Kashmir is crucial. Such a unit would bring together medical professionals, nurses, social workers, psychologists, and spiritual care providers to offer holistic care. The palliative care team would work closely with patients, their families, and their existing healthcare providers to develop individualized care plans that focus on symptom management, emotional support, and spiritual well-being.
Healthcare workers in general are overburdened and often lack the specialized training required to provide comprehensive palliative care. As a result, patients and their families are left to navigate the complexities of terminal illness with little guidance or support. The absence of a dedicated palliative care unit under one roof further exacerbates the issue, leading to unnecessary hospital admissions, poor pain control, and a lack of focus on the patient's overall well-being making it essential to have a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals available to provide holistic care and support.
The establishment of a Palliative Care Consultation Service would ensure that patients receive comprehensive and compassionate care that addresses their physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. By creating a centralized unit that offers comprehensive palliative care services, more patients would be able to receive the care and support they need to live their final days with dignity and comfort.
Moreover, a Palliative Care Consultation Service would benefit not only patients and their families but also the healthcare system as a whole by decreasing hospitals in patient admission. By providing comprehensive care to individuals with terminal illnesses and advanced cancer, the burden on hospitals and other healthcare facilities would be reduced, freeing up resources and beds for other patients in need of critical care.
Additionally, the presence of a Palliative Care Consultation Service as long standard oncology care would enhance the overall quality of care provided to patients, leading to improved patient outcomes and satisfaction on quality of life , symptom burden, depression, caregivers distress and survival.
The establishment of a Palliative Care Consultation Service in Kashmir is a critical need that must be addressed urgently. By creating a centralized unit that provides holistic care and support to individuals facing end-of-life challenges, we can ensure that patients and their families receive the care they deserve to navigate their last days with dignity and comfort. In doing so, it will fulfil its ethical responsibility to care for its most vulnerable citizens and offer them the quality of life they deserve, even in their final moments.
Author is a surgeon at mubarak hospital Certified professional in Healthcare Quality Analysis and serves as advisor to various Ministries on healthcare policy planning and reforms
