Palliative and End-of-Life Care: Begin Here

Welcome to the Palliative and End-of-Life Care Research Guide.

• This guide will direct you to resources in palliative and end-of-life care at Fordham University Libraries.
   
• Click on the tabs at the top to find books, articles, and links to web content.
   
• Most of the Databases are indexes to articles in journals.
   
• For initial research, try the online library catalog and/or encyclopedias.

What is palliative care?

• An interdisciplinary approach to care
   
• Specializes in both physical and psychological symptoms
   
• Provides relief of pain and other symptoms of serious illness
   
• Assists with communication between patient, families, and medical staff
   
• Is dedicated to improve the quality of life for people with critical or terminal illness or conditions that progress and are increasingly limiting
   
• Is appropriate at any stage of the illness
   
• Can be provided at the same time as treatment designed to cure
   
• Provides a goal to allow the patient to live as fully and comfortably as possible
   
• Allows patients to die with dignity
   
• Does not seek to hasten or postpone the end of life
   
• Offers a support system

From the site Palliative Care at NYU Langone Medical Center, palliativecare.med.nyu.edu/what-is-palliative-care/a-definition

What is hospice care?

Quality, compassionate care for people facing a life-limiting illness or injury, hospice care involves a team-oriented approach to

• expert medical care
• pain management
• emotional and spiritual support

It is expressly tailored to the patient's needs and wishes.

Source: National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization

Cathy Berkman, PhD, ACSW; Professor and Director of the Palliative Care Fellowship, Fordham University Graduate School of Social Service for her materials and guidance in creating this guide.