Holistic approach a must for palliative care, say experts

The 2018 Padma Shri recipient said, “Holistic healthcare must be adopted in all forms of healthcare, which includes the physical, social and mental well-being. This is particularly important for paediatric care as children’s voices must be heard and listened to, especially over the course of treatment. It cannot be considered as a treatment of a disease, but a treatment of the person.”

In addition to this, doctors need a well-educated circle of nurses, volunteers, counsellors and therapists to effectively assist treatment as well as offer a stable support system for the family and the patient. “Not telling the patient that nothing more can be done is also important. Treatment for the child is also treatment for the parents, who feel a sense of stability during the time of care. Counselling for them too, becomes paramount in that case,” said Dr Julius Scott, paediatric oncology department, Sri Ramachandra Medical College. The event was conducted by the Golden Butterflies Children’s Palliative Care Foundation in association with Kanchi Kamakoti Childs Trust Hospital, in an effort to inform paediatric doctors of the best practices to be followed in palliative care.

“There is a large scope for palliative care in Chennai. More awareness must be spread on the benefits and the best treatment practices that must be followed for families,” said Stella Matthew, managing trustee, Golden Butterflies.