HJBR Nov/Dec 2024

HEALTHCARE JOURNAL OF BATON ROUGE I  NOV / DEC 2024 61 André A. Bonnecaze, MD Medical Director of Supportive and Palliative Care Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center to address the diverse needs of each patient — ensures that patients receive comprehen- sive care beyond their physical symptoms. Palliative care teams should work closely with oncologists and other specialists to en- sure that treatments are aligned with the patient’s overall goals and preferences. By engaging in regular communication with the patient’s broader healthcare team, pal- liative care ensures efficient coordination in planning, which is essential for patient- centered care. This collaborative approach is especially valuable in cancer care, where patients may undergo complex and demanding treat- ments. By addressing the full spectrum of a patient’s needs — physical, emotional, spiritual, and financial — palliative care can help ease the burden of cancer treatment, making the experience more manageable and improving quality of life. Encouraging early palliative care Despite the clear benefits, confusion around the purpose of palliative care pre- vents many patients from accessing this benefit until their illness is far advanced. However, there has been a growing push in recent years to encourage earlier adoption of palliative care as part of a comprehensive cancer treatment plan. Professional organizations and health- care providers are increasingly recogniz- ing the importance of integrating pallia- tive care into cancer care from the onset. Early involvement allows patients to better manage the side effects of treatment and the emotional toll of living with cancer. It also fosters a more collaborative approach to care, where the patient’s needs and prefer- ences are prioritized alongside the goals of curative treatment. For healthcare professionals, selecting the right time to introduce palliative care is key. Not every patient will need palliative care from the moment of diagnosis, but for those facing significant negative symptoms or emotional distress, early intervention can make a world of difference. For oncologists and healthcare providers, becoming advo- cates for earlier involvement in palliative care ensures that your patients receive the most comprehensive care possible. Palliative care is about living well Palliative care is far from giving up; it is improving quality of life while manag- ing a serious illness. It focuses on reduc- ing the burden of symptoms and providing emotional and psychological support for patients and their families. By introducing palliative care early in the treatment pro- cess, patients can experience better symp- tom control, improved emotional well-being, and even potentially longer survival. Palliative care is an essential component of cancer care, complementing curative treatments and addressing the holistic needs of the patient. With early and appropriate use, it has the power to transform the expe- rience of living with cancer, helping patients to not only endure but to live well, even in the face of serious illness. n REFERENCES 1 Gautama, M. S. N.; Damayanti, A.; Khusnia, A. F. “Impact of Early Palliative Care to Improve Qual- ity of Life of Advanced Cancer Patients: A Meta- Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials.” Indian Journal of Palliative Care 29, No. 1 (Jan. 20, 2023): 28–35. DOI: 10.25259/IJPC_153_2022 André Bonnecaze, MD, is a board-certified internal medicine and palliative care physician who practices throughout Louisiana. He earned a medical degree fromLouisiana State University Health Sciences Cen- ter in NewOrleans.He performed both an internship and residency at Earl K.Long Hospital in Baton Rouge, where he served as chief resident.He is also themedi- cal director of Mary Bird Perkins’ Cancer Center’s supportive and palliative care programs. Why early palliative care is crucial Research consistently shows that intro- ducing palliative care early in the course of a serious illness, especially in cancer care, has significant benefits. In one study, pa- tients who began palliative care shortly af- ter being diagnosed with advanced cancer experienced a significantly higher quality of life compared to those who received stan- dard cancer treatment alone. 1 They also had a clearer understanding of their prognosis, which helped them make more informed decisions about their care. However, early palliative care is more than just managing symptoms. It’s also fo- cused on improving a patient’s capacity to undergo treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation by controlling pain, fatigue, and other side effects. This holistic approach may even contribute to longer survival for some patients. By providing physical relief and emotional support, patients can better tolerate aggressive treatments, potentially enhancing their overall outcomes. Beyond physical symptoms, palliative care also addresses the emotional and psy- chological impacts of a serious illness. Many patients face anxiety, depression, or adjust- ment disorders after a cancer diagnosis. Ear- ly involvement of palliative care can help patients, and their families, navigate these emotional challenges, offering the support they need to cope with the psychological toll of illness. The collaborative nature of palliative care One of the key strengths of efficient pal- liative care is a team-based, collaborative approach. An interdisciplinary model of palliative care with a comprehensive team of physicians, nurse practitioners, social workers, nurse navigators, and mental health professionals — all working together