‘Palliative' is derived from the root word ‘Pallium' - a Latin word, meaning ‘cloak' or ‘cover'. Palliative care is holistic care that includes four aspects – ‘knowing', ‘feeling', ‘being', and ‘doing' – all this to fulfill the needs of the dying. Holistic care is all about meeting the various needs of the patients:
- Physical needs: These differ according to the disease and the stage of the disease. Palliative care makes sure that the patient never falls short of quick and efficient symptom control, and gets the benefits of state-of-the-art knowledge of medicine, surgery and radiotherapy is a must.
- Psychological needs: From safety to self-esteem to a sense of understanding, patients need to feel secure. Palliative care helps them preserve a sense of worth and self-esteem.
- Social needs : The patients need to feel accepted, belonging and disengaged. They are not a burden, but are needed and connected.
- Spiritual needs: These patients need love, reconciliation, a sense of self worth and purpose. They need to give and forgive, end quarrels and depart with a calm and quiet frame of mind.
Each of these is a daunting task and difficult for one professional to provide. Teamwork becomes crucial. All team members bring different skills and support each other. The team comprises doctors, nurses, medical social workers, occupational therapists and physiotherapists, ayahs and ward boys and volunteers. Each member is important in his or her own way, and good communication between team members is crucial.
