Palliative care doesn’t mean a patient is at death’s door. Here’s why
Palliative care often carries a stigma of being associated with death and giving up hope. However, Dr. Samantha Winemaker and researcher Hsien Seow are working tirelessly to change this perception. They believe that palliative care should focus on improving a patient’s quality of life when facing a life-threatening illness, rather than solely on end-of-life care.
Dr. Winemaker, who specializes in at-home palliative care, and Seow, a Canada Research Chair in Palliative Care and Health System Innovation, are on a mission to educate both patients and healthcare professionals about the benefits of palliative care. They emphasize that palliative care is not about giving up on life-extending treatment options, but rather about living life to the fullest every day.
Together, they host a podcast, speak at professional events, and have written a book titled “Hope for the Best, Plan for the Rest: 7 Keys for Navigating a Life-Changing Diagnosis.” Their goal is to encourage Canadians to seek palliative care earlier when facing a progressive illness to ensure they have access to information and choices.
One of the key principles that Dr. Winemaker and Seow emphasize is the importance of providing patients and their families with as much information as possible. They believe that being upfront about prognoses and planning ahead can help patients and families cope better with a life-changing diagnosis. While it may be difficult to have these conversations, they have found that being proactive and transparent can lead to better outcomes for everyone involved.
In a recent visit to the home of a patient with Stage 4 prostate cancer, Dr. Winemaker had a candid discussion with the patient and his family about his diagnosis and treatment options. While the patient was initially hesitant to discuss his life expectancy, his family expressed a need for more information to help them cope with the uncertainty. This highlights the importance of open communication and shared decision-making in palliative care.
Another patient, Shelley McCarthy, who battled Stage 4 thyroid cancer, experienced the fragmented nature of the healthcare system before being referred to Dr. Winemaker and her team. The shift to receiving palliative care at home provided McCarthy and her family with much-needed support and guidance during a challenging time. This personalized approach to care helped the family feel more at ease and empowered to make informed decisions about her treatment.
While access to palliative care in Canada remains limited, there have been improvements in recent years. However, barriers such as age, location, and cultural background still prevent many patients from receiving the care they need. Dr. Winemaker and Seow stress the importance of integrating a palliative philosophy of care into all medical specialties to ensure that every patient receives the support they deserve.
In conclusion, palliative care is not just about end-of-life care; it’s about living better every day. By promoting early access to palliative care, educating healthcare professionals, and breaking down stigmas surrounding this vital service, Dr. Winemaker and Seow are paving the way for a more compassionate and patient-centered approach to healthcare.
