2. Palliative Care
An approach that improves the quality of life of
patients and their families facing the problem
associated with life-threatening illness, through the
prevention and relief of suffering by means of early
identification and impeccable assessment and
treatment of pain and other problems, physical,
psychosocial and spiritual.
World Health Organization
4. Common Physical Symptoms
Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Oncology and Palliative Care
âLoss of appetite and weight loss
âDehydration
âNausea and vomiting
âConstipation
âFunctional Decline
âDyspnea
âPain
âFatigue
Fatigue
Disease
Pain
Shortness
of breath
Depression
Difficult
emotions
Stress &
Anxiety
5. When a person is seriously ill, the awareness of
how important the physical body is for all
experiences and emotions becomes obvious
The state of the body decides what the
patient can take part in and do in
everyday life
6. Role of PT in Palliative Care
âPromoting / optimizing physical activity
âSymptoms management
âEducation and training of MDT as well as patients and
carergivers
âDissemination of information to MDT with key role in
discharge planning
âCommunication and collaboration between primary and
secondary care
Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Oncology and Palliative Care
7. Conducting an Initial Assessment
âPrimary diagnosis
âLocalization of tumor / possible metastasis
âPrognosis & ongoing medical treatment
âSecondary diagnoses
âContraindications
âPatientâs awareness of condition
âPsychosocial well being
âCurrent functional status
8. Common Physical Symptoms
Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Oncology and Palliative Care
âLoss of appetite and weight loss
âDehydration
âNausea and vomiting
âConstipation
âFunctional Decline
âDyspnea
âPain
âFatigue
Fatigue
Disease
Pain
Shortness
of breath
Depression
Difficult
emotions
Stress &
Anxiety
11. âPhysical Activity
âEnergy Conservation Techniques
âUse of assistive devices
âFrequent rest intervals
âSupported activities
âSmaller meals but more frequent
Managing Fatigue
12. âNatural reaction to threat and severe stress and can
show as fear, worry, anger and panic
âIs it possible to divert? Is the patient taking medication
for anxiety?
âSoft tissue massage, music therapy, relaxation
techniques
Managing Anxiety
13. âBed mobility and transfer techniques
âProviding ambulatory assistance
âUse of assistive devices
âBreathing / Relaxation techniques
âEnergy conservation techniques
âFall precautions
âChest PT techniques
Caregiver Training