• Symptom Management – Developing a plan of care to improve physical well-being and address any symptom concerns

• Supportive Counseling – Assisting with emotional, spiritual and financial needs, through access to internal or outside resources

• Advance Care Planning – Ensuring a patient’s care goals and wishes are met. This may include completing a healthcare proxy, living will and advance directive.

A common misconception is that palliative care, as part of supportive care, is reserved for patients who are transitioning from curative to end-of-life measures. However, palliative care focuses on providing patients relief from pain and other illness symptoms, no matter the diagnosis or stage, and while still pursuing curative therapy approaches.