Top Ten Tips Palliative Care Clinicians Should Know About Providing Care for People With Disabilities

J Palliat Med. 2024 Jan 17. doi: 10.1089/jpm.2023.0662. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

Palliative care (PC) clinicians are well poised to help people with disabilities (PWD) live well in the context of serious illness. PC prioritizes person-centered care with a focus on function, autonomy, and quality of life. This approach aligns with principles of high-quality care for PWD. An understanding of the unique experiences and needs of PWD can advance the delivery of comprehensive, equitable PC for this population. In this article, we provide 10 tips to help PC clinicians develop an informed disability lens in their approach to care.

Keywords: accessibility; accommodations; caregiver; disability; equipment; equity; etiquette; function; interprofessional collaboration; person-centered care; quality of life; therapeutic alliance.