 QLIFE
IS A PALLIATIVE CARE PROGRAM DEVELOPED BY LEE MEMORIAL HEALTH SYSTEM
AND HOPE OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA. QLIFE IS DESIGNED TO HELP
PATIENTS AND FAMILIES DEAL WITH THE MANY COMPLEX DECISIONS THAT NEED
TO BE MADE AS A RESULT OF A FAMILY MEMBER BEING DIAGNOSED WITH A
LIFE-THREATENING ILLNESS. THE PROGRAM FOCUSES ON QUALITY OF
LIFE THAT INCLUDES PAIN AND SYMPTOM MANAGEMENT.The care team
consists of a physician, a registered nurse, a social worker and a
chaplain, all of whom have experience in palliative care. This
team works in collaboration with the patient's primary physician and
caregivers to create the most acceptable care plan for the patient
and family. The program works best when the team sees the
patient early in his or her hospitalization.
QLIFE can also offer patients and their families:
- Emotional and spiritual support
- Patient advocacy
- Assistance in establishing advance directives
- Education on disease process and the resources available at
each phase
- Help with easing the transition between care settings
While QLIFE is not Hospice, the team can refer a patient to
Hospice if the patient is medically appropriate. Additionally,
QLIFE can assist patients and families who are facing difficult
situations with ethical decision-making. |
