Revamped Approach to Alleviate Distress in Neurological Diseases: Introducing a Novel Strategy for Palliative Care
The International Neuropalliative Care Society has proposed a groundbreaking framework for early and ongoing palliative care approaches in neurological disorders. This holistic, integrated, and patient-centered methodology emphasizes seamless care throughout the disease trajectory.
The proposed framework prioritizes the early integration of palliative care, from diagnosis, to address complex symptoms and maintain quality of life. It advocates for palliative care to begin early in the course of neurological illnesses and continue alongside disease-modifying treatments.
Key elements of this framework include ongoing interdisciplinary collaboration among neurology, palliative care specialists, and other healthcare providers. A comprehensive assessment covers physical, emotional, cognitive, and spiritual needs specific to neurological disorders. Patient and family engagement in shared decision-making respecting their preferences and goals is also a crucial part of the approach.
The framework also emphasizes the adaptability of care plans across disease stages, recognizing fluctuating needs and prognostic uncertainties. Education and support for caregivers, who often bear unique burdens, is another essential aspect of the model.
While the exact framework by the International Neuropalliative Care Society is not directly cited in recent search results, the described principles align closely with current best practices in neuropalliative care literature. This integration echoes the broader World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations on integrated, people-centered care models.
Notable figures in the field, such as Dr. Kluger, have emphasized the need to focus on preventing and alleviating suffering as the primary goal for palliative care. The Parkinson Foundation, too, has launched an ambitious project to make integrated palliative care a standard throughout its global Center of Excellence network.
Dr. Kluger suggests working with insurance companies and hospitals to incentivize cost-effective care that improves patient and family outcomes. The new framework proposes integration of palliative care approaches by multiple members of the healthcare team, including neurologists.
Neurological diseases often cause a wide range of symptoms such as pain, fatigue, memory loss, depression, anxiety, social isolation, and loss of independence. The new model of care anticipates the changing needs that arise over the course of a neurological illness.
The review, commissioned by Lancet Neurology, suggests this new evidence-based framework for early and ongoing palliative care for individuals with neurological disorders. The model aims to improve end-of-life care to allow patients to live with dignity, control, and comfort for as long as possible.
As Dr. Kluger believes, nearly everyone will be affected by neurological illness at some point in their life, and the healthcare system should provide the necessary care and support. The authors cite numerous research studies demonstrating the promise of palliative care approaches in improving key outcomes for various neurological illnesses. Integration of palliative care for neurological illness is increasingly recommended in guidelines from national and international foundations.
Family members typically serve as primary at-home caregivers for individuals with neurological illnesses, and they can struggle with the emotional impact, as well as the social, financial, and physical impact of providing care. The new model includes efforts to screen for invisible symptoms like depression, to help patients and families plan for the future, and to make full use of an extended healthcare team including social workers, mental health specialists, spiritual care, rehabilitation, and pain medicine.
In summary, the proposed evidence-based framework by the International Neuropalliative Care Society prioritizes early, continuous, and holistic palliative care integration for neurological disorders, structured around interdisciplinary collaboration and patient-family-centered care throughout disease progression.
- The science of palliative care in neurological disorders is evolving, with the International Neuropalliative Care Society leading the way.
- This new framework emphasizes the importance of sleep in managing chronic diseases, as sleep disturbances are common in neurological disorders.
- Medical-conditions such as cancer and other health-and-wellness issues can be exacerbated by neurological disorders, making early and ongoing palliative care crucial.
- Fitness-and-exercise plays a significant role in maintaining overall health and managing symptoms in neurological disorders.
- Climate-change can impact mental-health, especially in individuals with neurological disorders, highlighting the need for comprehensive therapies-and-treatments.
- Nutrition is key to managing symptoms and improving quality of life in individuals with neurological disorders.
- The healthcare industry is embracing this new framework, recognizing the value of palliative care in the context of neurological disorders.
- Neurological disorders like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's fall under the broader category of environmental-science, with environmental factors potentially contributing to their development.
- Finance plays a role in the implementation of this new framework, with discussions on incentivizing cost-effective care.
- Space-and-astronomy, while seemingly unrelated, can provide funding and resources for research into neurological disorders and their treatments.
- Cybersecurity is crucial in protecting patients' data and ensuring privacy in the context of the new framework.
- Lifestyle changes are a crucial part of the new framework, with a focus on wellness and self-care for patients.
- Fashion-and-beauty, while not immediately associated with neurological disorders, can contribute to enhancing patients' quality of life.
- Food-and-drink choices can impact symptoms and overall health in individuals with neurological disorders.
- Investing in research and development of neurological therapies is essential for advancing the field.
- Home-and-garden modifications can help accommodate patients with mobility issues due to neurological disorders.
- Businesses can contribute to the cause by supporting research and offering flexible work arrangements for caregivers.
- Personal-finance management is important for caregivers, who often face financial stress due to their role.
- Gadgets can assist patients with neurological disorders in their daily lives, improving independence and quality of life.
- Data-and-cloud-computing can help in the storage and analysis of patient data, improving care and informing research.
- Technology advancements can offer innovative solutions for managing symptoms and improving quality of life in patients with neurological disorders.
- Artificial-Intelligence (AI) can be used to develop personalized treatment plans for individuals with neurological disorders.
- Relationships with healthcare providers, family, and friends are vital for patients with neurological disorders, as they navigate their illness.
- Pets can offer comfort and companionship to patients with neurological disorders, positively impacting their mental-health.
- Travel can be challenging for patients with neurological disorders, highlighting the need for accessible healthcare services.
- Cars can be equipped with modifications to accommodate patients with mobility issues due to neurological disorders.
- Books, educational resources, and self-development materials can help patients and caregivers better understand and cope with neurological disorders.
- In the realm of entertainment, movies-and-tv shows can portray accurate representations of living with neurological disorders, raising awareness and empathy.
