WHAT IS PALLIATIVE CARE?
Treating a patient with a terminal illness is, according to the medical community, a very sensitive issue.
In this stage of illness, healing is not an option. Therefore, doctors must offer special treatment that relieves physical and emotional pain. This is known as palliative care.
CARLOS CENTENO
Doctor, University of Navarra Clinic
“What is palliative medicine? To take care of their pain, to give them emotional support, to help them make decisions and also to care for loved ones around them. And if they need it too, to provide spiritual support, the support that is needed.”
WHAT DOES PALLIATIVE CARE CONSIST OF?
Palliative care can range from physiotherapy sessions to psychological assistance. There is only one goal: the welfare of the patient and their family.
CARLOS CENTENO
Doctor, University of Navarra Clinic
“For a while we can fight to have healing. For a while we can fight to have more time. But there comes a time when the goal is no longer healing. The care, assistance, and the accompaniment of the patient is to focus on getting more time for them. However, when that is no longer possible, we must provide them with a good quality of life in their final days.”
DO ALL HOSPITALS HAVE A TEAM SPECIALIZED IN PALLIATIVE CARE?
The objective of this care is to help terminally ill patients face their last days peacefully and pain-free. It should be accessible to everyone, however it is not provided by all hospitals.
CARLOS CENTENO
Doctor, University of Navarra Clinic
“All these diverse palliative care services have developed especially in western Europe. In some countries it is unknown. For example, in Africa it only exists in countries such as Uganda, South Africa, Tanzania and Kenya. Countries with more of an Anglo-Saxon influence have developed the model of palliative care.”
When good palliative care is offered, usually the patient doesn't even consider euthanasia. This is because the patient can fully live those difficult hours close to their family.
Above all, this care aims to preserve with respect the dignity of every human being.
