Understanding palliative care and advance care planning

In this webinar, Associate Professor Nicole Goh, a respiratory and sleep physician at the Austin and Alfred Hospitals, explains palliative care and advanced care planning. She covers what palliative care is, when it should be introduced, how to access it, and end-of-life care. Nicole also discusses the importance of advanced care planning and how to start the conversation. She emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach to optimize quality of care for patients and their families, addressing physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual well-being.

Palliative care is often underutilized due to misconceptions and a lack of provider skills. Doctors may hesitate to prescribe opioids for fear of respiratory depression, and patients may associate palliative care with giving up hope. However, palliative care aims to enhance comfort and quality of life, not hasten death.

Accessing palliative care typically requires a referral from a GP or specialist, but patients should proactively ask for it. Palliative care services are available to anyone with a life-limiting illness, not just cancer patients. Most services are free, though there may be costs for medications or equipment.
End-of-life care, a form of palliative care, is provided in the last weeks of life when a patient is rapidly approaching death. It ensures high-quality care and support for both the patient and their family, including bereavement care after the patient’s passing.

Advanced care planning involves discussing and documenting a patient’s values and preferences to guide future medical decisions. This planning helps ensure that patients receive the care they want and eases the decision-making burden on their families. If you or someone you know is affected by lung cancer or lung disease, reaching out to the Lung Foundation Australia can provide valuable support and information. They are dedicated to helping patients navigate their journey and access the best possible care. For more information and support, individuals can contact the Lung Foundation Australia’s Information and Support Centre at 1800 654 301 or visit their website.