Palliative Care

Palliative care is patient-centered and family-focused medical care that optimizes quality of life by anticipating, preventing, and treating suffering caused by a medical illness or a physical injury or condition that substantially affects a patient's quality of life.  The term includes:

1. Addressing physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs.
2. Facilitating patient autonomy and choice of care.
3. Providing access to information.
4. Discussing the patient's goals for treatment and treatment options, including hospice care when appropriate.
5. Comprehensively managing pain and symptoms.

In 2016 the Indiana General Assembly created the Palliative Care and Quality of Life Advisory Council.  The goal of the Council is educating and advocating for quality palliative care throughout Indiana.  

The ISDH has created the Palliative Care Information Center and the Palliative Care and Quality of Life Advisory Council website to provide information and resources.