Palliative Care and End of Life Care - What’s the Difference?
In Canada, “Palliative Care” and “End-of-Life” (EOL) care are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings. These terms emerged in the 1970s to support Canadians battling life-threatening cancers (Health Canada). However, the effort to differentiate between them has not been as pronounced as in other countries. However, let us repeat it: palliative care is supportive and compassionate care. You can access it anytime during your illness to improve your quality of life.
Palliative Care also means that people spend less time in the hospital, away from the comfort of their homes, and more time with family. It's also been shown to address the distress, mental and emotional symptoms that unfortunately tag along with Pancreatic Cancer (Department of Health and Community Services, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador).
You will find that in Newfoundland, time and time again, both terms are sometimes lumped together with hospice. Again, not the same. But Newfoundland is always behind the times.
The Provincial Palliative Care Policy Framework by Public Health and Community Services outlines the elements of Palliative Care in Newfoundland (Department of Health and Community Services, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador).
Benefits of Starting Palliative Care Early
For people living with Pancreatic Cancer in Newfoundland, Palliative Care should prioritize effective pain and symptom management, clear communication, and informed decision making. It should ensure consistent care across all five health zones and emphasize access to services. This means that palliative care services should be accessible to every Newfoundlander regardless of location.
In 2022, the creation of NL Health Services was announced, transitioning the four existing health authorities to NL Health Services, which is now comprised of five health zones ("Health Zones"). We have separated resources by new health zones so that you can quickly locate services closest to you. These services may move around over the next few years. So, we will be monitoring these changes.
And without further ado, here’s a list of palliative care resources and support you can find in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Eastern-Urban
Conception Bay South, Witless Bay and Bay Bulls. For Greater St. John’s area, all municipalities east of Conception Bay South and Witless Bay up to and including Pouch Cove, except for Bell Island.
Palliative Care Programs in Eastern-Urban Health Zone
Between 8 AM and 4 PM, Monday to Friday
+1 (709) 777-7303 | +1-855-690-7303
Paramedics Providing Palliative Care 🚑
The Paramedics Providing Palliative Care Program within the St. John's Metro Region of Eastern Health allows trained paramedics to provide emergency care at home for patients with life-threatening conditions, focusing on pain and symptom control. This program aims to support patients' comfort and enable them to stay at home as long as possible by offering 24/7 care.
Patients are typically referred by the Palliative Care Consult Team, Pain and Symptom Management, or Community Health Program, and must reside in specific areas within the Metro Region. Once referred, patients receive a unique Special Patient Number and are enrolled in the Special Patient Program.
In an emergency, patients call 9-1-1, provide their Special Patient Number, and paramedics are dispatched without lights and sirens. Paramedics arrive in non-emergency vehicles to manage symptoms with supportive and medication-based interventions.
In an emergency, patients call 9-1-1, provide their Special Patient Number, and paramedics are dispatched without lights and sirens.
After stabilizing the patient, paramedics leave a note in the Home Chart for communication with other healthcare professionals, and patients are encouraged to follow up with their primary healthcare team. The Paramedicine Department may also call to check on the patient's condition post-visit.
How The Program Can Benefit You
Hospitals and Facilities in Eastern-urban Health Zone
Health Sciences Centre
The Health Sciences Centre is an acute care facility that serves all of Newfoundland. As a teaching hospital, it is affiliated with Memorial University’s Schools of Medicine, Pharmacy, and Nursing. Additionally, it is connected to and shares services with both the Janeway Children’s Health and Rehabilitation Centre and the Dr. H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Centre. (Photo Credit: Eastern Health)
Dr. H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Centre
Conveniently attached to the Health Sciences Centre, the Bliss Murphy Cancer Center provides cancer care services, including screening, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and limited clinical trials. (Photo Credit: Eastern Health)
St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital
St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital is part of Eastern Health’s Provincial Cancer Care Program, which provides comprehensive cancer care services across Newfoundland and Labrador. The hospital collaborates with the Bliss Murphy Cancer Centre to offer a range of treatments and support services for cancer patients, including those with pancreatic cancer. (Photo Credit: Eastern Health)
Dr. Leonard A. Miller Centre
Palliative Care Consult, Pain and Symptom Management, Palliative Care Options, Palliative Care Unit
The Dr. Leonard A. Miller Centre offers comprehensive palliative care services to improve the quality of life for patients facing serious illnesses. Our dedicated team provides compassionate care and support tailored to individual needs. (Photo Credit: Eastern Health)
Important Contacts for Eastern-urban
Aboriginal Patient Navigator
Indigenous Patient Navigators (IPNs) provide services including referrals and advocacy for appropriate healthcare options, patient navigation and escorting to appointments, arranging translation services in Innu-Aimun and Inuktitut, and assisting with access to meals, transportation, accommodations, medical supplies, and discharge planning.
(709) 777-2199; (709) 777-2110; or (709) 777-8462
Qalipu First Nation-NIHB Navigator
(709) 679-5743 or 1-855-675-5743
Clinical Nurse Specialist for Palliative & Long Term Care
(709) 945-6245
Community Support Program Intake
(709) 752-4942
Pastoral Care
St. John’s and Area: (709) 777-6959
Grief and Bereavement Services
St. John’s and Area: (709) 777-2167
Eastern-rural
Communities including Holyrood, Southern Avalon and Bell Island, as well as all municipalities west of Holyrood and Witless Bay up to and including Port Blandford.
Western
Communities from Port aux Basques, southeast to Francois, northwest to Bartlett’s Harbour, and on the eastern boundary north to Jackson’s Arm.
Hospitals and Facilities in Western Health Zone
Rufus Guinchard Health Centre
In-patient palliative care beds, pain and symptom management, physician visits, quick and emergency response, respite care, spiritual support.
Rufus Guinchard Health Centre is located in the town of Port Saunders and provides Primary Health Care Services
Important Contacts for Western Health Zone
Cancer Patient Navigator
Toll-Free: 1-(855) 848-3888 or (709) 784-5010
Aboriginal Patient Navigator
(709) 777-2199; (709) 777-2110; or (709) 777-8462
Qalipu First Nation-NIHB Navigator
(709) 679-5743 or 1-855-675-5743
Palliative Care Office
(709) 784-5414 or (709) 784-2700 ext. 2804
Western Health Palliative Care Support Line
(709) 784-6415 or Toll-Free: 1-833-873-8608
Clinical Nurse Specialist
(709) 784-2700 ext. 2663
Grief and Bereavement Services
Regional Spiritual Health Manager
(709) 784-5224 or (709) 784-2700 ext. 2669
Bereavement Support Group
(709) 634-4506
Community Support Intake
(709) 634-1512
Regional Home Nursing Coordinator - Palliative & End of Life Program Lead
(709) 634-2244
Central
Communities extending from Charlottetown in the east, Fogo Island in the north, Harbour Breton in the south, to Baie Verte in the west.
Hospitals and Facilites in Central Health Zone
Cancer Care Centre
The new Cancer Care Centre in Corner Brook, servicing the Central health zone has finished construction and is currently recruiting staff for the facility. It will become the second in-province facility to offer radiation therapy. (Photo Credit: Eastern Health)
Gander Cancer Centre
Located inside of James Paton Memorial Regional Health Centre, it is one of the current four members of the Provincial Cancer Care program and offers Chemotherapy. (Photo Credit: Eastern Health)
Grand-Falls Windsor Cancer Centre
Located on the main floor of the Central Newfoundland Regional Health Centre, the Grand-Falls Windsor Cancer Centre, along with the two other centres located in Central are responsible for servicing over 20% of Newfoundland’s population and is home to a CRAFT Satellite site that enables remote participation in clinical trials.
Important Contacts for Central Health
Cancer Patient Navigator
A Cancer Patient Navigator offers support from the moment cancer is suspected through all stages of the journey. They coordinate appointments, provide information about treatments and side effects, and help with practical needs like financial assistance and accommodations. They also offer educational resources and connect patients to community services. While not providing direct medical care, they work closely with healthcare providers to help you navigate your cancer care more effectively.
Aboriginal Patient Navigator (709) 777-2199; (709) 777-2110; or (709) 777-8462
Qalipu First Nation-NIHB Navigator
(709) 679-5743 or 1-855-675-5743
Palliative End of Life Care Team
Palliative Care Physician (Part-time)
Regional: (709) 489-6192
Palliative Care Nurse Consultants
Central: (709) 535-0926
Specialized nurses that are part of the palliative care consult service and pain and symptom management team. They coordinate initial and follow-up appointments with palliative care doctors and nurse practitioners, provide follow-up care via phone or in-person visits, help arrange additional services like community health nursing or social work referrals, and answer questions about the illness or medication management.
Grief and Bereavement Consultant
Grief and bereavement services support individuals coping with the loss of a loved one, such as a family member who has passed away from pancreatic cancer. These services include counseling and emotional support to help navigate the complex feelings of loss and adjustment. They offer personalized assistance to address individual needs and facilitate healing through various stages of grief.
Regional: (709) 235-1412
General inquiries: (709) 884-4268
Provincial Organizations
Newfoundland and Labrador Palliative Care Association
The Newfoundland and Labrador Palliative Care Association offers resources, support, and education for patients, families, and healthcare professionals. They provide information on palliative care services, advocate for improved care, and promote a multidisciplinary approach to palliative care across the province.
National Palliative Care Organizations
Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association
The Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association provides education, resources, and advocacy for quality hospice palliative care. They offer information on advanced illness, end-of-life care, and grief support.
While not directly providing patient care, they work to improve access to palliative services across Canada through awareness and policy initiatives.
Canada Virtual Hospice
Canadian Virtual Hospice is an online platform providing personalized information and support for people dealing with advanced illness, palliative care, loss, and grief. It offers expert answers to questions, resources for patients, families, and healthcare professionals, and connects users with local services.
National Pancreatic Cancer Organizations 🇨🇦
In addition to local supports, you can also reach out to Pancreatic Cancer organizations that service all of Canada.
Pancreatic Cancer Canada
Pancreatic Cancer Canada is a charitable organization dedicated to fighting pancreatic cancer through research funding, awareness campaigns, education, and advocacy. They aim to improve survival rates, support patients and caregivers, and advance early detection and treatment options.
Craig’s Cause
Craig's Cause Pancreatic Cancer Society is a national Canadian charity dedicated to increasing survival rates and improving life quality for pancreatic cancer patients. They focus on raising awareness, providing education and support, funding research, and organizing events.
International Organizations
These are organizations that are based outside of Canada but that we’ve verified have some level of service to offer Canadians. While these may not include palliative care services, they may be able to still offer guidance.
PANCAN
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network is a US-based non-profit that offers a range of services available for free to Canadians as well. (Photo credit: PANCAN)
Know Your Tumor: Somatic Testing can be costly. PANCAN offers this service to Canadians.
Clinical Trial Finder: PANCAN has a extensive clinical trial base exclusive to only clincial trials related to Pancreatic Cancer.
Financial Support for Pancreatic Cancer Patients
Some people living with Pancreatic Cancer may experience unexpected financial emergencies, burdens and stress. Explore organizations that provide financial supports.
Explore Financial SupportsMental and Emotional Supports for Pancreatic Cancer Patients and Caregivers
People living with Pancreatic Cancer benefit from comprehensive emotional and mental health supports. (Journal of Clinical Oncology, 2021). Explore the organizations that provide these services here.
Mental and Emotional SupportLet’s Recap.
Here are a few questions and answers and the important info to grab about palliative care. Are we missing something that would benefit readers? Log in and post your question to this article!
What is the difference between palliative care and end-of-life care?
Palliative care focuses on improving the quality of life for patients at any stage of a serious illness by managing symptoms and providing support. End-of-life care is a component of palliative care that specifically addresses the needs of patients in the final stages of life.
Where can palliative care be provided?
Life doesn’t have to stop—Palliative Care can optimally be provided at home, complimenting and supporting your lifestyle. But it can also be provided in hospitals or long-term care facilities. Everybody’s journey with Pancreatic Cancer can look different. Therefore, reaching out and seeing how palliative care can best support you is a great idea.
Do I have to pay for Palliative Care?
Palliative Care provided in a hospital setting is usually covered exclusively by provincial health care plans. In the case of Newfoundland, MCP should be covering this for you. Palliative Care at home is also covered to an extent. Tap into programs like the Paramedics Providing Palliative Care program as often as needed when you aren’t able to manage symptoms at home, or pain has gotten out of control.
When can Palliative Care be offered for Pancreatic Cancer?
Palliative Care can be introduced at any time or stage of the disease. It doesn’t mean throwing in the towel. You can receive palliative care while on chemotherapy with a curative intent. Palliative care encompasses pain management, symptom management, and emotional, spiritual, and social support.
How can early palliative care benefit pancreatic cancer patients?
Initiating palliative care early in the treatment process can enhance quality of life, improve symptom management, reduce hospitalizations, and provide emotional and psychological support for both patients and their families.
Can palliative care be provided alongside curative treatments for pancreatic cancer?
Absolutely. Palliative care can be integrated with curative treatments such as chemotherapy to manage symptoms, provide support, and improve overall quality of life during the treatment process.
What palliative care services are available in Newfoundland for pancreatic cancer patients?
Newfoundland offers various palliative care services, including home-based care, hospital-based programs, and specialized services like the Paramedics Providing Palliative Care Program in the St. John’s Metro Region, which provides emergency symptom management at home.
How can I access palliative care services in Newfoundland?
Accessing palliative care services typically begins with a referral from your healthcare provider. You can also contact local health authorities or palliative care programs directly to inquire about available services and support.
What support is available for families of pancreatic cancer patients receiving palliative care?
Families can access various support services, including counseling, respite care, and bereavement support, to help them cope with the challenges of caring for a loved one with pancreatic cancer.
Are there specialized palliative care programs for Indigenous communities in Newfoundland?
Yes, there are services like the Indigenous Patient Navigators (IPNs) who provide culturally sensitive support, including referrals, advocacy, and assistance with healthcare navigation for Indigenous patients and their families.
What is the Paramedics Providing Palliative Care Program in Newfoundland?
This program allows trained paramedics in the St. John’s Metro Region to provide emergency at-home care focusing on pain and symptom control for patients with life-threatening conditions, aiming to keep patients comfortable at home.
How does palliative care address the emotional and psychological needs of pancreatic cancer patients?
Palliative care teams offer comprehensive support, including counseling, support groups, and therapies, to help patients and their families manage the emotional and psychological challenges associated with pancreatic cancer.
Reference List📚
- Health Canada. Framework on Palliative Care in Canada. Government of Canada, 2018. Accessed from Canada.ca.
- Department of Health and Community Services, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. Provincial Palliative Care Policy Framework. Accessed from Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s website.
- “Health Zones” NL Health Services, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, 2024. Accessed from nlhealthservices.ca.
- Eastern Health. Paramedics Providing Palliative Care. July 2022. Accessed from Eastern Health.
- Eastern Health. “The Palliative Care Team.” Accessed from Eastern Health.
- Eastern Health. Cancer Patient Navigation. December 21, 2018. Accessed from cancercare.easternhealth.ca.
- Eastern Health. (n.d.). New cancer care centre. Eastern Health. Retrieved July 24, 2024, from https://cancercare.easternhealth.ca/about-us/new-cancer-care-centre/
