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Department of Family and Community Medicine
1015 Walnut Street, Suit 401
Philadelphia, PA 19107
215-955-1807
Download Brochure (PDF)
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About the Palliative Care Service
Our team of doctors, nurses and other healthcare providers wants to assist you and your family during your illness.
To palliate means to provide comfort. Palliative Care focuses on promoting quality of life for patients with advanced chronic and serious
illness.
Jefferson's Palliative Care Service specializes in relieving symptoms of your illness and easing fears and anxieties. In addition,
our staff can help you make decisions about your medical care.
Managing Symptoms of Your Illness
Jefferson's Palliative Care Service works with your hospital team to ease pain, nausea, shortness of breath, and other symptoms.
Professionals from the Palliative Care Service can recommend medications or referral to other health professionals. Other
specialists from Pain Service, Nutrition or Rehabilitation Medicine may participate in your care.
Making Decisions About Treatment of Your Illness
During your hospital stay, you and your family may face some difficult decisions. You may be asked to consider treatment choices
offered by a variety of specialists.
Planning for your care once you return home may include different options such as home care, skilled nursing facility, rehabilitation
center, or hospice. In order to make the best decision about your care, Jefferson's Palliative Care Service believes that
you have a right to information about the status of your illness and what you can expect from treatment.
We can assist you with communicating your personal goals to your hospital team and consulting specialists. Our patient-centered
approach is committed to supporting your wishes and personal goals.
Supporting You and Your Family
Coping with a serious illness or hospital stay can be emotionally stressful for you and your family. Patients often need spiritual
guidance, comfort, or someone who can just listen. Jefferson's Palliative Care Service can help identify and ease your concerns,
fears, and anxiety. Other professionals from Jefferson's Social Work, Psychiatry, and Pastoral Care departments can be consulted
to offer support, counseling or treatment.
How the Palliative Care Service Becomes Involved in Your Care
Your hospital physician can request a Palliative Care Service consultation. However, your day-to-day hospital care continues
to be supervised by your hospital team of doctors and nurses.
In the News
Philadelphia Magazine Rates Jefferson a Center of Excellence in Local Palliative Care
Philadelphia Magazine rated Thomas Jefferson University Hospital as one of the best places to go, in the Philadelphia area, for
treatment of 24 out of 44 diseases, including palliative care.
