Palliative Care

Palliative care focuses on improving quality of life for patients with serious illnesses. It can be beneficial at any stage of an illness, and may be given alongside other therapies to treat or cure the condition. Our goal is simple: to help our patients feel as good as possible, for as long as possible.

To treat the whole person, we embrace a team approach. Depending on individual needs, our patients may meet with a palliative care doctor, social worker or chaplain. Our services include:

• Treating symptoms, such as pain, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, fatigue and anxiety
• Educating patients and families about drug-free methods for relieving symptoms
• Helping patients and families make medical decisions consistent with their values and preferences
• Providing emotional and spiritual support
• Facilitating communication with other health care providers to make sure patients' wishes are known and honored

At UCSF Health, cancer patients who aren't hospitalized receive palliative care through our Symptom Management Service. Outpatients with other serious illnesses are treated in our Outpatient Palliative Care Service. We also offer inpatient palliative care services for hospitalized patients at Parnassus and Mission Bay.

If you'd like to request a consultation with palliative care, please speak with your medical care team.