Smilow Palliative Care Program
Palliative Care Program
The Palliative Care Program at Smilow Cancer Hospital focuses on symptom management and quality of life concerns for adult patients with serious chronic progressive or terminal illnesses. We center our care on patients and families, and help them deal together with their loved ones’ physical issues such as pain, fatigue, and nausea, as well as with psycho-social issues like depression, disruption of family life, and financial concerns.
Each patient consultation includes a comprehensive review of medical records and medical history, a physical examination, and a discussion of the symptoms, goals, values, social interests, and spiritual needs of the patient and his or her family. Ongoing evaluation and follow-up care are then provided as needed.
Our Approach
Palliative care uses many approaches, depending on the individual patient’s symptoms, needs, and wishes. It might involve the following:
- Medications
- Pain management
- Complementary techniques, including breathing exercises, massage or Reiki, acupuncture, art or music therapy
- Mental health services and coping strategies
- Relaxation techniques
- Spiritual support and guidance
- Nutritional support
- Family support
- Discharge planning
Our Team
The palliative care team includes expert physicians and advanced practice providers who partner with social workers, chaplains, pharmacists, care coordinators, and other clinical staff members to offer an additional dimension of expertise. Our staff is experienced in helping patients and families manage distress in the face of serious illness, as well as at life’s end.
It’s important to note that unlike hospice care, which is meant specifically for those approaching the last stages of life—usually the final six months—palliative care can complement ongoing treatment at any stage of illness. Palliative care does not mean that active treatment to cure a disorder or prolong life will end. All care will continue through any stage or time in each patient’s illness.
Our Services
Bereavement Service
In collaboration with our Palliative Care Program, the Bereavement Service at Yale New Haven Hospital provides care and support to families and friends following the loss of a loved one. Grief is a normal response to loss, and responses to grief can be physical, emotional, and spiritual. Learning and understanding more about grief will help with healing. We are also providing support for those facing the loss of a loved one due to COVID.
A variety of services are offered to help with understanding grief and learning to live life without a loved one:
- “Healing grief” seminars
- Bereavement support groups
- Short-term grief counseling by telephone or office visit
- “Hope for the Holidays” program
- Annual memorial service
- Information and referral service for bereavement resources
Read information on grief rituals.
Read information on grief and the holidays.
Outpatient Palliative Care
The Outpatient Palliative Care Clinic at Smilow Cancer Hospital uses an interdisciplinary team approach to provide an extra layer of support for both patients and their families.
These services include:
Medical
- Help with decision making
- Determining goals of care
- Pain and symptom management
Social Work
- Supportive resources for life changes
- Meaning-centered individual and group programs
- Bereavement and grief support groups
Psychology
- Resilience building
- Emotional coping skills
- Cognitive behavior therapy
- Creative expression
Art Therapy
Chaplaincy
- Values and spiritual resources
- Existential concerns
- Advance directives
Referrals to:
- Home care
- Community services
- Integrative medicine
- Smilow Pain Clinic
- Addiction medicine
- Hospice
