Palliative care refers to specialized medical care that focuses on providing relief from physical symptoms and improving the quality of life of patients and caregivers. Palliative care can be provided to patients with any medical condition at any stage of illness to relieve symptoms. It can be a patient’s primary treatment (which is often the case with end-of-life care), or it can be provided in combination with standard medical treatments. Palliative care team members work alongside a patient’s medical team and can include professionals from multiple disciplines, including doctors, nurses, social workers, and chaplains.

To prepare for this Discussion:

Think about the circumstances, timing, payment, and other features related to palliative care.

Post a description of perceptions of palliative care from the perspective of a:

• Patient
• Caregiver
• Social worker

1. Then, explain the roles of social workers in providing palliative care. 
2. Compare and contrast the fundamental differences between palliative care and hospice care. 
3. Explain medical conditions where you might consider palliative care over hospice care for a patient. 
4. Justify your position. Use examples to illustrate your case.

Be sure to support your postings and responses with specific references to the resources and the current literature using appropriate APA format and style.