Myths about palliative care, according to an IntraCare Center specialist
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It is estimated that within one or two decades, dedicated palliative care units will probably care for more non-cancer patients than cancer patients, because of how common these conditions are and the universal right to die with dignity.
Santo Domingo. – Palliative care has traditionally been aimed at people with cancer, but it is also clear that there are other chronic diseases whose final stages have a strong emotional impact and involve a great need for care.
Dr. Ángela Marmolejos, an anaesthesiologist specialising in pain management and palliative care at IntraCare Center, explains that the aim of this type of care is to improve the quality of life of patients, their families and their carers.
She mentions some conditions that require palliative care, such as recovery after tumour removal surgery, heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or highly disabling neurological diseases.
IntraCare Center draws on a project developed in 2018 by the International Association for Hospice and Palliative Care (IAHPC) for a new conceptualisation of palliative care. Based on that document, Dr. Marmolejos sets out a series of myths about palliative care that have been repeated over the years. For example, myth number one holds that this care is only for cancer patients, which is not true.
Myth 2: Palliative care is only for older people
She maintains that dealing with terminal illness in children is no easy task for health professionals.
“Feelings of helplessness, anxiety stemming from complex medical decisions, and stress from feeling pressured to help keep a family balanced at times of great emotional chaos are some of the reasons why palliative care is also considered for children,” she explains.
She argues that, as with adults, correct pain treatment in a child depends on proper assessment, the use of medication and psychosocial support.
Myth 3: Palliative treatment is not compatible with cancer treatment
Palliative care encourages treatment plans that respect the patient’s principles and hopes. To achieve this, the approach must be comprehensive.
Palliative care is not only for people at the end of life and can coexist with other systemic treatments, so it is a mistake to leave it for the last days of life, as that makes it very difficult to achieve optimal control of the patient’s symptoms.
Myth 4: Using an infusion pump speeds up death
Morphine does not shorten patients’ lives; by controlling pain, it allows them to rest, live better and enjoy their lives more.
No evidence has been found that using opioids to treat severe pain causes addiction. The risk of dependence in patients receiving appropriate pain treatment is unfounded, although it is real with non-medical use.
Myth 5: They will die because they are not eating or drinking
This myth stems from the social, cultural, religious, ethical and biological values attached to nutrition and hydration, which link “eating and drinking” with living.
“When a patient stops eating because of loss of appetite or difficulty swallowing in the final stages of life, it causes significant stress for the patient, the family and some health colleagues,” says Dr. Marmolejos.
Other facts
According to the IAHPC project, it is estimated that within one or two decades, dedicated palliative care units will probably care for more non-cancer patients than cancer patients, because of how common these conditions are and the universal right to live or die with dignity.
About IntraCare Center
It is a health centre specialising in oncology services, palliative care and outpatient and home chemotherapy, as well as the distribution of cytostatic drugs. Its staff are committed to improving the quality of life of adult and paediatric cancer patients through innovative equipment and technology systems that operate to the highest standards of quality and biosafety.