[Early palliative care]

Abstract

Early palliative care is a new intervention model that is increasingly used for patients with advanced chronic degenerative conditions. It has been shown to be effective in improving patients' quality of life and disease awareness and providing guidance and support in deciding on treatment choices, with significant cost savings for the healthcare system due to increased appropriateness of care. Several randomized controlled trials have demonstrated the efficacy of early palliative care, in particular in cancer patients and, more recently, also in patients with other advanced life-threatening illnesses. Results have been consistent in showing that early palliative care improves quality of life without negatively affecting survival compared with more aggressive treatment options. Palliative care should be delivered through an integrated approach to care that recognizes the roles of both general practitioners and hospital-based specialists for the early identification of patients who may most benefit from this intervention.