Reimagining Care for Neurological Ailments: Crafting a Novel Approach to Alleviate Pain and Discomfort
In a groundbreaking development, the International Neuropalliative Care Society (INPCS) has proposed a new evidence-based framework for early and ongoing palliative care tailored to neurological disorders. This framework, grounded in multidisciplinary, patient-centered care, prioritises symptom management, quality of life, and supports complex medical decision-making.
The key elements of this proposed framework include early initiation of palliative care soon after diagnosis, multidisciplinary collaboration involving various specialists, patient and family-centered care, continuous integration of palliative approaches, the use of telehealth and specialized clinics, advance care planning, and complex decision-making support.
The framework aims to shift from traditional models that reserve palliative care for late-stage disease to a holistic, longitudinal approach embedded in the multidisciplinary care of neurological patients. It emphasises addressing spiritual, psychological, and practical needs alongside symptom control and medical treatments throughout the illness progression rather than only near end-of-life.
The research, supported by a grant from the National Institute of Aging, underscores the importance of providing the care and support people need in neurological illness as the ultimate test of the healthcare system. The new framework proposes integrating a palliative care approach from day one, with neurologists and other clinicians involved in the care of people with neurological illnesses.
The Parkinson Foundation has taken this initiative a step further by launching an ambitious project to make integrated palliative care a new standard throughout its global Center of Excellence network. Integration of palliative care for neurological illness is increasingly recommended in guidelines from national and international foundations, including the Parkinson Foundation.
The new model of care, carried out by an extended health care team, anticipates the changing needs that arise over the course of a neurological illness. It aims to address the total pain of neurological illness, including psychological, social, and spiritual distress. The authors collaborate with insurance companies and hospitals to achieve these goals.
The authors of the article, members of the International Neuropalliative Care Society, believe that this new framework represents the current best evidence-based approach advocated by neuropalliative care experts as outlined in recent literature on integrative palliative care models for neurodegenerative disorders. The review, commissioned by the journal Lancet Neurology, underscores the importance of immediate action to improve care, focusing on prevention and alleviation of suffering.
- The framework, according to the International Neuropalliative Care Society (INPCS), incorporates early initiation of palliative care for medical-conditions like Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, and migraine, which are neurological disorders.
- To ensure comprehensive health-and-wellness for those dealing with chronic-diseases such as Parkinson's, the INPCS's new approach emphasizes addressing psychological, social, and spiritual needs alongside symptom control and medical treatments.
- As part of the Parkinson Foundation's global Center of Excellence network, an ambitious project is underway to integrate palliative care for fitness-and-exercise and health-related issues in people battling various neurological disorders.
- The new model of care, as supported by literature on integrative palliative care models for neurodegenerative disorders, underscores the importance of preventing and alleviating mental-health implications that may arise during the aging process due to conditions like Parkinson's or Alzheimer's disease.
- This novel approach advocated by neuropalliative care experts proposes continuous integration of palliative care, using telehealth and specialized clinics to provide the necessary support for people living with any neurological disorders, ensuring a better quality of life throughout their journey.
