A Comparative Study of Case Studies on Palliative Care



Abstract

The aim of this paper is to discuss the dilemma which is faced by the medical community with respect to Palliative Care. Two case studies, titled as “The Balm of Gilead Center, Cooper Green Hospital” and “Palliative Care Programs: Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center / Care Group”, authored by F. Amos Bailey and Lachlan Forrow respectively are briefly studied in order to attain a comprehensive review and stance of experts on the subject and viability of Palliative Care.



A Comparative Study of Case Studies on Palliative Care

Introduction

This paper will briefly discuss a comparison of renowned case studies which are authored by F. Amos Bailey and Lachlan Forrow, in order to discuss the end - of - life care treatment, which is technically known as Palliative Care.

Discussion

Palliative Care

The aim of Palliative Care is to alleviate the sufferings and improve the quality of life of a patient who is dealing with serious diseases or illnesses. Making a patient comfortable is the main goal of a Palliative practitioner. This can be achieved by offering and providing patients with a holistic treatment and not just focusing on the medical or physiological treatment. Doctors providing palliative care are known for offering patients with multiple treatments, such as spiritual comfort through a priest or rabbi (Payne et al. 2004).

An essential component of palliative care in contrast to hospice is the presence of a multidisciplinary team, comprising of a nurse, physician, psychologist, therapist, spiritual expert, and dietitian. Another significant differentiation when compared with palliative care is that fact that hospices refers to the presence of dedicated houses or institutions which provide end - life - care and treatment for dying patients (Fallon & Hanks 2006).

The Balm of Gilead Center, Cooper Green Hospital by F. Amos Bailey

Balm of Gilead Center has adopted a holistic and integrated approach in providing comfort for its patients by combing hospital based palliative services, services to patient at home, a long term approach of treatment at local nursing homes, and a comprehensive community program which involves individuals from different backgrounds to facilitate Balm of Gilead Center's mission of improving the quality of life of its patients. The institution particularly caters to the financially unstable communities in America, such as African Americans. During the initial phase of the project the author researched rigorously and concluded that patients who were hospitalized can be sent home earlier if palliative care was administered (Milbank Memorial Fund and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation 2000).

The palliative project was launched in Balm of Gilead Center in 1998 and each of the 10 bed containing rooms was furnished in the style of houses so as to provide patients with the basic element of comfort. As mentioned before, the spiritual, emotional and social needs of the patients were fulfilled by the deployment of a multidisciplinary team of experts. The expertise of Balm of Gilead Center was not restricted to in-house treatment; rather the knowledge was spread through educational and awareness creation programs and has ...