Growing palliative care team expands access into ambulatory setting

Growing palliative care team expands access into ambulatory setting 
UConn Today; by Jennifer Walker; 11/13/24 
Palliative care is a medical subspecialty focused on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of serious illness. The goal is to improve the quality of life for both the patient and the family. Palliative care is appropriate at any age and stage of illness and can be provided along with all other medical treatments. Eight years ago, UConn Health began outpatient palliative care at the Carole and Ray Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center with a cancer center supportive care clinic.  The supportive care clinic includes two full-time nurse practitioners and support from an interdisciplinary team. The service has continued to grow since it was started with volumes increasing 250%. As the Cancer Center grows, volume and need for palliative care is also anticipated to increase.