Palliative and Supportive Care
The Palliative and Supportive Care Department at Burjeel Cancer Institute is dedicated to improving the quality of life for patients with cancer and other serious illnesses. Our team provides comprehensive care to address the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of patients at all stages of their cancer journey. Palliative care can be offered alongside curative treatments, with a focus on symptom management and overall well-being.
Conditions We Support
We offer palliative and supportive care for patients with a wide range of cancers and serious conditions, including:
- Advanced-stage cancers (breast, lung, colorectal, etc.)
- Cancer-related pain
- Chronic symptoms from cancer or treatment
- Terminal cancer
- Complex cancer cases requiring symptom management
- Non-cancer-related chronic illnesses (advanced heart failure, COPD, kidney disease, etc.)
Palliative Care Services
Our team provides a wide range of services focused on improving the quality of life for patients and their families:
Symptom Management
Addressing symptoms such as pain, nausea, fatigue, and shortness of breath caused by cancer or its treatment.
Pain Relief
Offering various treatments to manage cancer-related pain, including medications, nerve blocks, and other interventions.
Emotional and Psychological Support
Counseling and support for patients and their families to help manage the emotional impact of serious illness.
Spiritual Care
Providing support for patients' spiritual needs, regardless of religious beliefs.
End-of-Life Care
Compassionate care for patients at the end of life, focusing on comfort, dignity, and peace.
Decision-Making Support
Helping patients and families navigate complex medical decisions, including advance care planning.
Our Approach to Care
Our palliative and supportive care team works closely with the patient's oncology and primary care team to provide comprehensive, patient-centered care:
Personalized Care Plans
Each patient receives a tailored care plan that addresses their specific needs and goals, whether managing symptoms during treatment or focusing on quality of life at the end of life.
Multidisciplinary Collaboration
Our palliative care specialists collaborate with oncologists, nurses, psychologists, and spiritual care providers to ensure all aspects of the patient's well-being are supported.
Seamless Integration
Palliative care is integrated into the patient's overall treatment plan, ensuring that symptom management is coordinated with cancer treatments like chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
Home and Hospice Care
For patients with advanced illness, we offer home-based palliative care and hospice services to provide comfort and support in familiar surroundings.
Symptom Management and Support
Our palliative care team is highly experienced in managing complex symptoms related to cancer and its treatment:
Cancer-Related Pain
Managing pain through medications, interventional procedures (nerve blocks, epidurals), and complementary therapies.
Nausea and Vomiting
Offering medications, dietary support, and alternative therapies to manage nausea caused by treatment.
Breathlessness
Providing medications and respiratory therapies to alleviate shortness of breath, common in lung cancer and other advanced cancers.
Fatigue and Weakness
Offering physical therapy, rehabilitation, and nutritional support to improve strength and energy levels during and after cancer treatment.
Supportive Care Services
In addition to palliative care, we offer a variety of supportive services designed to enhance the well-being of patients throughout their treatment journey:
Rehabilitation Services
Physical and occupational therapy to help patients regain strength and function during or after treatment.
Nutritional Counseling
Tailored dietary plans to support patients' nutritional needs during cancer treatment.
Psychological Counseling
Support from oncology psychologists to help patients and families cope with the emotional challenges of cancer.
Spiritual Care
Chaplaincy services available to provide spiritual and emotional support, regardless of religious or spiritual affiliation.
Patient Navigation
Dedicated patient navigators to assist with care coordination, appointments, and managing the logistics of treatment.
Advanced Palliative Techniques
At Burjeel Cancer Institute, we offer a range of advanced techniques to manage symptoms and improve quality of life:
Nerve Blocks and Pain Pumps
Advanced procedures to control pain when traditional medications are insufficient.
Spinal and Epidural Analgesia
For patients with severe cancer pain that requires more direct intervention.
Intrathecal Analgesia
Delivering pain relief directly to the spinal fluid for more effective management of chronic pain.
Integrative Therapies
Offering complementary therapies such as acupuncture, massage, and relaxation techniques to support symptom relief and emotional well-being.
Patient Journey
The palliative and supportive care team provides ongoing care throughout a patient's journey with cancer or serious illness:
Initial Consultation
A comprehensive assessment of the patient's symptoms, concerns, and personal goals. A tailored care plan is developed in collaboration with the oncology team.
Symptom Management
Ongoing management of pain, nausea, and other symptoms through medications, procedures, and alternative therapies.
Ongoing Support
Regular follow-up appointments to adjust treatment, provide emotional and psychological support, and ensure the patient's needs are being met.
End-of-Life Care (if applicable)
Providing compassionate care focused on comfort, dignity, and emotional support during the final stages of life, with full involvement of family members in the care process.
Meet Our Experts
Our palliative and supportive care team includes specialists in:
Dr. Neil Arun Nijhawan
Pain and Palliative Medicine , Palliative and Supportive Care
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