Palliative care - compassionate care to relieve the symptoms of serious illness - is a perfect fit for Martha Jefferson Hospital. That was the conclusion of a task force comprised of physicians, board members, community members and staff who met to discuss the potential role of palliative care at Martha Jefferson Hospital. Several issues were considered, including space and cost, but after six months of debate, the group concluded that the principles of palliative care were synonymous with the Martha Jefferson caring tradition. As of January, 2006, the consultative service was begun, led by Dr. Lisa Illig.

Palliative care is defined as a multidisciplinary approach to relieve suffering and improve quality of life for patients with advanced illness. It is offered simultaneously with all other appropriate medical treatment and does not require that patients be hospice candidates. Patients may continue such services as dialysis, chemotherapy and transfusions. Palliative care has been shown to enhance the patient's quality of life and increase patient and family satisfaction with both the hospital and the attending physician.

The following are just some of the ways that the palliative care service can help the attending physician:

• Assistance with control of distressing symptoms such as shortness of breath, pain, nausea, pruritis, delirium, fatigue, anxiety, depression and anorexia
• Spending time with patients to discuss difficult decisions regarding code status, feeding tubes and advanced directives
• Offering assistance with spiritual and emotional struggles
• End-of-life care needs

Palliative care consultations are through physician referral.