Having the Patient Conversation

As a trusted caregiver, you can help take the mystery out of palliative care. When you refer a patient for palliative care, consider these points:

I'm referring you for palliative care.
Palliative medicine is a specialized field focused on relieving pain and other symptoms.
You have some special needs and I think a palliative expert could help. When I have a patient who needs specialized cardiac care, I send her to a cardiologist. When a patient needs specialized joint care, I send him to an orthopedist. This is the same thing.
I will still be your doctor. Just think of the palliative care team as part of our team.
If applicable: Palliative care will not affect our ongoing treatments to attack your disease.
At your consultation, the palliative care specialist will ask you about your pain, symptoms and current treatment. I'll be sending over some notes so they know what you and I have been working on. They'll also talk to you about your goals and wishes and the treatment options available to you. From there, a plan of action will be developed. They will communicate with me regularly, we work together.