In the days before the death of former first lady Barbara Bush's death in April, 2018, news that she had chosen to forego further medical treatment and focus on comfort care drew attention to the role of palliative care at end of life.

In an article for UW Health, the concept of comfort care is explained by Toby Campbell, MD, MS, associate professor (CHS), Hematology, Medical Oncology and Palliative Care and Ellen and Peter O. Johnson Chair in Palliative Care.

"Comfort care still involves medical therapy, and sometimes lots of medical therapy, but the goals of the therapy are different...[it] often implies that the person is reducing the intensity of medical care because the burden is outweighing the benefits," explained Dr. Campbell.

When asked about when switching to comfort care is appropriate, Dr. Campbell explains that it depends greatly on how a patient is spending their time and energy. Focusing on palliative care may allow a patient to trade some time that would otherwise be dedicated to medical tests, blood draws, and doctor visits to having increased control over their time.

Resources:

• "What is Comfort Care at the End of Life?," UW Health, April 17, 2018