Palliative Care – also referred to as end-of-life care – is supportive treatment and care provided to patients with terminal illness who are close to the end of their life. In some cases, Palliative Care may be implemented earlier on in illness, alongside active treatments.
The main aim of palliative care is to provide care for issues aside from physical symptoms, such as those related to terminal illness, and to improve the patient’s quality of life.
Symptoms associated with Palliative Care
Patients in need of Palliative Care may have been diagnosed with a range of conditions, including cancer, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s Multiple Sclerosis, Congestive Heart Failure, and many others. Palliative care is often provided at a hospital or hospice; however, some treatments may allow patients to return home for care.
As Palliative Care may be required for a number of conditions, the range of symptoms can vary significantly between patients. Some common symptoms may include:
- Loss to Quality of Life
- Anxiety and Depression
- Loss of appetite
- Chronic Pain
- Cognitive and mobility difficulties
Medical Cannabis Treatment
Palliative Care puts a focus on symptom management, for which medical cannabis may be useful. For example, a growing body of evidence supports the potential of CBMPs for the treatment and management of Chronic Pain, Anxiety and Depression, and loss of appetite. A significant number of studies also report on the association between medical cannabis treatment and improved Quality of Life.
