Palliative Medicine
Overview
In situations of advanced illness, Catawba Valley Medical Center offers
the support of its highly talented, multidisciplinary Palliative Medicine
Team. Palliative medicine is provided by a team of trained health care
professionals who have clinical expertise in disease processes, treatment
options, and pain and symptom management. The Team’s goal is to
help patients and their families cope with the illness and better manage
your day-to-day quality of life. Palliative care helps patients through
all stages of illness. It is best introduced early in your care and is
provided at the same time as curative treatments. It is different from
Hospice care, which is meant specifically for patients approaching the
last stages of life. For more information about Hospice services offered
in the area, visit the following websites:
Our Palliative Medicine Team
The Palliative Medicine Team is comprised of registered nurses, social
workers, chaplains, pharmacists, physicians, nutritionists and integrative
therapists who consult with the patient, each other, and the patient’s
physician to determine the best way to meet a patient’s special needs.
Services
The Palliative Medicine Team provides:
- Relief from distressing symptoms you may be experiencing, such as pain,
shortness of breath, fatigue, constipation, nausea, loss of appetite,
and difficulty sleeping
- Improved ability to carry on with your daily life
- Improved ability to tolerate any medical treatments you may be receiving
- Referrals for integrative therapies (music, pet, healing touch)
- A better understanding of your condition and your choices for medical care