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Hospital-Based Palliative Care

When a patient, physician, or family member requests our services, professionals from the UPMC Palliative and Supportive Institute meet with the patient and his or her family to assess health status. We assess each patient's needs in the context of his or her illness or injury, and work closely with their doctor or treating physician, to design an individualized course of care that supports the patient's goals and values.

Palliative care consultants in the hospital may include:

  • Supportive Care Nurse Practitioners
  • Specialized Physicians
  • Psychologists
  • Pharmacists
  • Social Workers
  • Spiritual Counselors

We speak with the family to understand their feelings about the patient's illness and other concerns—spiritual, psychosocial, and financial. We see the patient regularly and continue to work closely with the patient's care team during hospitalization. If needed, we may also arrange for continuing care upon discharge.

By managing symptoms, answering questions, and offering practical support, our team contributes to the patient's comfort, whether or not complete recovery is expected. By easing difficulties and reducing suffering, the UPMC Palliative and Supportive Institute helps patients and their family members to maintain dignity and a higher quality of life during hospitalization.

The UPMC Palliative and Supportive Institute provides expert care to patients at many community and specialty hospitals throughout the UPMC system:

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