Learning

April 27, 2011

How palliative care helps patients and families

During a life-threatening illness or injury, when recovery seems unlikely, there are still many things medical professionals can do to help patients and their families. Efforts turn toward providing physical and emotional comfort. This is called palliative care.

Palliative comes from a Latin word meaning to cover, cloak or hold, like being enfolded in a birds consoling wings.

In an informative video produced by UW writer Brian Donohue, Dr. Wayne McCormick, professor of medicine, and director of the UW Medicine Palliative Medicine Fellowship, explains several aspects of palliative care. He also answers common questions the public has about this topic.

Watch the video on the UW Medicine Health channel on YouTube.