UPMC Hillman Cancer Center is part of the UPMC family.

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Palliative and Supportive Care for Cancer Patients and Families

The UPMC Palliative and Supportive Institute extends the array of services we offer at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center.

The palliative and supportive team provides comprehensive care and management of the physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual needs of people with serious illness and to their families.

Palliative Care Services for Cancer Patients

The palliative care team works with your cancer care team to provide:

  • Family support.
  • Psychosocial care.
  • Spiritual care.
  • Symptom management.

They also assist with coordination of care and integrate inpatient services with outpatient and home-based programs.

Inpatient Consultations for People with Cancer

The palliative care team provides consult services to cancer patients who are in the hospital. In addition to their services listed above, they can also talk about:

  • Care goals.
  • Options and education on psychosocial, spiritual, and financial concerns.
  • Prognosis.

The team shares these consults with the patient's:

  • Nurses.
  • Other health care providers.
  • Referring doctor.

Cancer Support Programs

The palliative care team works with many programs to support cancer patients after they leave the hospital.

These support programs include:

  • Center for Counseling and Cancer Support.
  • Integrative Medicine and Wellness programs.
  • Home care.
  • Hospice.
  • Nursing homes.

And, they provide support and comfort to family members who are caring for the patient and during their bereavement.

Outpatient Care and Support for People with Cancer

In addition to inpatient consults, the UPMC Palliative and Supportive Institute cares for those who get their care primarily in the cancer center outside the hospital.

The team's goal is to maintain the highest quality of life for the longest possible time by designing a treatment plan that may include:

  • Coping with psychological and spiritual concerns.
  • Dealing with symptoms such as pain, nausea, and anxiety.
  • Discussing goals of care and navigating health care decisions.
  • Planning for your future care, including home care and hospice.

Patients may also want to seek care from the Outpatient Pain Management Program at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center.

To learn more about palliative care or any other services at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, contact us at 412-647-2811.