Palliative Care

In Depth reviews for Palliative Care and non Palliative Care Health Professionals: Focus on Non-Cancer Patients 

There is a growing acknowledgement, based on research and clinical experience, of the need for palliative care to go beyond cancer populations. This is highlighted by the World Health Organization when it states that Palliative Care is not only for cancer patients but for all persons who have a life-threatening condition.

Only 5% to 10% of deaths occur suddenly and unexpectedly. The majority of deaths follow longer illness trajectories related to conditions such as cancer, organ failure, dementia and frailty. In many developed countries the former three account for up to 70% of deaths.

Patients with non-cancer progressive incurable illnesses face as many needs, and sometimes even more, than patients with cancer diagnoses. Their illness trajectories are also often more prolonged and less predictable than cancer patients with advanced disease. To meet these needs, health care professionals have to equip themselves with competencies that allow them to better care for patients with progressive, incurable illnesses, whether the patients have cancer or non-cancer diagnoses.

The Universidade Católica Portuguesa, which has a mission to improve the Dignity of the Human Being and Excellence in Health Care, is proud to present the “Lisbon Series on Palliative Care” to promote education of health care professionals in the area of Palliative Care across the illness trajectory. The “Lisbon Series” is a course, made up of several curricular units that are presented throughout the year addressing specific non-cancer populations.  Content experts, recognized for their clinical expertise and academic accomplishments in the field, will be presenting the Series.