Questions to Consider When Selecting Palliative Care Services
Services
- How would palliative care be helpful to me?
- How does the palliative care team or staff communicate and work with the patient’s physician?
- How does the patient’s physician stay involved?
- How does the palliative care staff address the spiritual and emotional needs of the patient and family?
- If a patient’s diagnosis changes, is there ongoing contact with the patient?
- Where are the palliative care services based?
- Where can care be delivered to a patient?
- How is continuity of care maintained if a patient’s location changes?
- What additional services are offered?
Staffing
- Who is part of the palliative care team?
- Which team members will provide care to me?
Family Involvement and Support
- What types of decisions would a palliative care team assist patients and families?
- How will the family be included in the patient’s plan of care?
- How are the patient and/or family caregivers given the information and training needed to meet the patient’s care needs at home?
Emergencies and After-Hours Care
- What is the process to address pain and symptom control emergencies, both during day hours and after-hours?
- What happens if the pain and symptoms cannot be controlled at home?
Paying for Palliative Care
- What part of the palliative care services will be covered by the patient’s insurance?
- What services will the patient/family have to pay for?
- Are there any services the patient is currently receiving that will not be covered under palliative care?