What is the Difference Between Curative and Palliative Care in Cancer Treatment?
Question
What is the difference between curative and palliative care in cancer treatment?
Answer
Curative or therapeutic care aims to cure the illness and return the patient to their prior health status. The focus is treatments and therapies that help eliminate cancer and restore function. In this context, occupational therapy goals include restoring the patient’s previous levels of function and supporting their return to daily activities.
On the other hand, palliative care focuses on optimizing comfort, managing symptoms, and improving the quality of life for patients and their families. This type of care is often provided when a cure is not possible, and it includes reducing stress and supporting patient-centered goals. Occupational therapy in palliative care aims to balance comfort and function, helping patients maintain as much independence as possible and supporting them in achieving meaningful activities, even if their condition limits them.
This Ask the Expert is an edited excerpt from the course, Navigating The Journey: OT’s Role In Oncology And Navigating End-of-Life Care, by Kirsten Davin, OTD, OTR/L, ATP, SMS, CAPS, CHSE.
Kirsten Davin
OTD, OTR/L, ATP, SMS, CAPS, CHSE
Topics
Related Courses
Cognitive Rehabilitation And TBI: Fundamental Considerations For Everyday OT Practice
Cognitive functions are essential to successful and satisfying participation in meaningful activities. This course will discuss strategies to address cognitive issues commonly associated with moderate to severe traumatic brain injury. Emphasis will be on functional cognitive approaches that OT practitioners can implement to improve client outcomes across practice settings.Supporting Adults With IDD In The Workplace: How OTPs Can Play An Integral Role
Learn how to best support individuals with IDDs within the workplace through thorough and functional evaluations, adaptive and restorative interventions, staff education, and a guided-discovery approach to learning.Alzheimer’s 101: An Overview for Healthcare Professionals
An overview for the healthcare professional about Alzheimer's disease and related disorders is provided in this course. Strategies for assessment and diagnosis, improving communication with patients, understanding and managing behavioral challenges, care planning and promoting independence are discussed. Methods for supporting family and caregivers are also described.