Palliative care: its history and activities in Quebec
The evolution of palliative care in Quebec
Palliative care plays a vital role for many Canadian families. Recognizing this importance, legislators have put in place frameworks and laws to structure and improve access to these services.
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June 2016: The Canadian Parliament passed Bill C-14, amending the Criminal Code to legalize medical aid in dying. In Quebec, similar legislation had been introduced six months earlier. This legislation allows Canadians aged 18 and over, who are mentally capable and suffering from serious and irreversible health problems, to have access to medical assistance in dying. It also provides for follow-up access to palliative care for those who need it.
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August 2017: The provinces and territories adopted a statement of shared principles on health priorities, which highlights the need to improve access to home and community care, including palliative care.
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December 2017: Parliament passed the Act to Develop a National Palliative Care Framework to harmonize and improve access to palliative care in Quebec and other provinces. Each province, including Quebec, has also developed its own strategies to meet the specific needs of their citizens.
The importance of palliative care for Canadians
Palliative care has become essential to Canadians, offering physical, emotional and social support to people of all ages facing life-limiting illnesses. This care provides symptom relief and enables patients to live their final moments with dignity and comfort, while supporting their loved ones in the grieving process.
Access to palliative care in Quebec is open to anyone, regardless of age, although these services are often aimed at seniors suffering from chronic illness or cancer. However, young adults and even children can also benefit when they are suffering from a terminal illness. This compassionate care is offered to people who no longer respond to curative treatments, in a variety of settings: at home, in a hospice, hospital or nursing home.
For more information on palliative care in Quebec, don’t hesitate to consult local resources and contact specialized centers to understand the services available and their conditions of access.
How do you access palliative care in Quebec?
Access to palliative care in Quebec is open to anyone, regardless of age, although these services are often aimed at seniors suffering from chronic illness or cancer. However, young adults and even children can also benefit when they are suffering from a terminal illness. This compassionate care is offered to people who no longer respond to curative treatments, in a variety of settings: at home, in a hospice, hospital or nursing home.
For more information on palliative care in Quebec, don’t hesitate to consult local resources and contact specialized centers to understand the services available and their conditions of access.
Palliative care activities and approach
Palliative care follows a person- and family-centered approach. It is structured around a number of activities to provide services adapted to the needs and choices of the patient:
- Establish strong links between the care team, the patient and family caregivers, fostering coordinated, trust-based support.
- Assess the physical, emotional, psychological and social needs of the patient, as well as those of caregivers, for comprehensive support.
- Manage the patient’s symptoms and functional well-being, relieving pain and distress.
- Discuss the patient’s understanding of his or her illness and prognosis, for better adaptation and acceptance of the situation.
- Define clear treatment goals that can be adjusted as the patient’s needs evolve.
- Respect the patient’s spiritual and cultural beliefs and preferences to ensure humane and respectful care.
- Assist with medical decisions, guiding patients and their families through the process.
- Coordinate care with other services when necessary, to provide an integrated, comprehensive approach to care.
These activities ensure that each patient receives appropriate support, with particular attention paid to their quality of life and that of their loved ones.
In conclusion
Palliative care can significantly reduce suffering and improve quality of life for patients with life-limiting illnesses. Hospice palliative care is an essential pillar in enabling Canadians to get through this difficult period with dignity, comfort and support.
