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WHAT IS PALLIATIVE CARE?
Palliative care is an emerging discipline that is gaining acclaim across the country.
It was recently recognized as a formal medical subspecialty (American Board of Medical Specialties, 2006). Palliative care is patient and family centered care that optimizes quality of life by anticipating, preventing, and treating suffering. It aims to facilitate patient autonomy, access to information, and choice. The palliative care team is a well coordinated, specially-trained group of professionals including a doctor, nurse, chaplain, social worker, and pharmacist. Together, they address the individual needs of those living with serious illness, including spiritual, emotional and physical aspects.
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