What Is Palliative Care?
Glossary
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adjuvant therapyA treatment used with a medication to aid its effect.
advance directiveWritten or verbal instructions for your care if you are unable to make decisions.
cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)A procedure used when a patient's heart stops beating; it can involve compressions of the chest or electrical stimulation.
consulting physicianA doctor with special training or experience who is called in to assist the primary attending physician in matters that need more specialized care.
coordination of careAn approach in which all members of the medical team work together to plan for a patient's care in the hospital and for discharge.
do not resuscitate (DNR) orderA physician's order not to attempt CPR if a patient's heart or breathing stops. The order is written at the request of the patient or family, but it must be signed by a physician to be valid. There are separate versions for home and hospital.
durable power of attorney for healthcareA document that designates the person you trust to make medical decisions on your behalf if you are unable.
healthcare proxySimilar to a durable power of attorney for healthcare: a document that designates the person you trust to make medical decisions on your behalf if you are unable.
home careServices provided in the home, such as nursing and physical therapy.
hospiceConsidered a model of quality care, hospice focuses on relieving symptoms and supporting patients with a life expectancy of months, not years. Hospice involves a team-oriented approach to expert medical care, pain management and emotional and spiritual support. The emphasis is on caring, not curing. In most cases hospice care is provided to a patient in his or her own home. It also can be provided in freestanding hospice facilities, hospitals, nursing homes and other long-term care facilities.
hydrationThe process of providing water or fluid by mouth, tube, or intravenously.
intubationThe process of inserting a tube into a patient's lungs to help with breathing.
life-prolonging treatmentMedical treatments that aim to cure or remedy an illness.
living willA document stating a patient's wishes regarding medical treatments.
long-term careCare that supports patients with chronic impairment for an indefinite period of time; it is provided in nursing facilities, at home or in the community.
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)A class of pain medications such as ibuprofen and aspirin.
opioidsA class of pain medications that have some opiate narcotic properties but are not derived from opium.
palliateTo relieve the symptoms of a disease or disorder.
palliative care
The medical specialty focused on relief of the pain, symptoms and stress of serious illness. The goal is to improve quality of life. Palliative care is appropriate at any point in an illness and can be provided at the same time as curative treatment.
percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG)A surgical procedure for inserting a tube into the stomach to provide nutrition and hydration.
primary attending physicianA patient's main doctor, who coordinates all referrals to specialists.
resuscitationSimilar to CPR, a protocol used when a patient's heart stops beating; it can involve compressions of the chest or electrical stimulation.
subacute careShort-term care in a nursing facility, usually for physical therapy.
symptomA feeling a patient has that indicates a disorder or disease.
ventilatorA machine that breathes for a patient when he or she is unable to do so independently.