Palliative emergencies

Palliative care emergencies are sudden life-threatening changes in a patient’s condition that, without an adequate response, will result in deterioration in that person’s health or quality of life. Some patients can be identified as higher risk because of the nature of their disease, and emergency situations can be anticipated and planned for. In these circumstances the patient’s wishes can be ascertained and the response required to meet the patient’s wishes can be discussed and incorporated into the Advance Care Plan. It is important to explore the benefits, burdens and limits of acute treatments.

However, it should be noted that patients who have advanced disease can be more susceptible to any type of medical emergency. Their physiological reserve is often poor and special attention needs to be given to their underlying disease. Communication with the patient and their families is key in these circumstances.