Palliative care for the non-cancer patient

Non-cancer life limiting diseases are illnesses which are progressive, eventually leading to deterioration that results in death.

However, the clinical course with potential exacerbations, possible recoveries and eventual deterioration for individuals varies, meaning that the requirements of patients and their carers vary significantly across individual illnesses.

Palliative approaches can occur in conjunction with treatments aimed at optimising health, preventing exacerbation and restoring function.

Acknowledgements

This content was created by Dr Karen Falloon PhD, MBChB, FRNZCGP and reviewed by Dr Rod MacLeod MB ChB, MMedEd, PhD, FRCGP, FAChPM, Consultant in Palliative Care in 2019.