A recent conversation with a PGY-1 got me thinking, I needed to clearly lay out why we call palliative care and what the consult actually involves.

So here it goes:
How to say it to patients and families:
“I’d like to involve our palliative care team. They specialize in managing symptoms, supporting complex decisions, and making sure your care aligns with what matters most to you and your family.”
“This doesn’t mean we’re stopping treatment. It means we’re adding more support for pain, comfort, communication, and planning.”
“Their role is to walk alongside us, manage symptoms, and make sure your goals are at the center of our care decisions.”