You are very welcome to bring somebody else with you to your first appointment if you would appreciate support. It can often be difficult to take everything in at first and to remember all that has been discussed. Many people find that having a family member or close friend with them is very helpful.
When our palliative care team first meet with you, they will discuss your diagnosis with you in detail and talk through treatment you have received and are currently receiving.
They will also want to know things like:
- Whether you have any other medical conditions?
- Whether you have any allergies?
- What medication are you currently taking?
As the discussion evolves, they will explore broader issues and questions with you, such as:
- Who is important to you?
- What is important to you at this stage in your life?
- Are there any special circumstances we should be aware of?
- Do you have any equipment at home already (e.g. mobility aids)?
- Are there any concerns, worries, or fears you are struggling with?
We will then work with you to draw up a management plan that best fits your needs. This may involve:
- Pain management
- Pacing techniques – to help you manage your energy levels
- Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) – to help manage the psychological impact of having a terminal illness
For advanced care planning, we will want to know what your wishes are for your death. Would you prefer to be at home or in hospital? Who would you like with you? At what stage would you like medical intervention to cease?
If you aren’t sure about these issues, we will talk through them with you to help bring clarity.
Even though many of these things can be difficult, even sometimes distressing, to discuss, your private appointment is a very safe environment to explore these topics with sympathetic and understanding people.
Throughout your palliative care, we can arrange fast access to other specialities if required, including pain management, physiotherapy, dietetics, and speech therapy. If any of these services are needed, we will arrange them for you via the wider healthcare team at the hospital.