The document outlines the role of physiotherapy in palliative care, focusing on improving the quality of life for patients facing life-threatening illnesses by managing physical, psychosocial, and spiritual issues. Key responsibilities include promoting physical activity, managing symptoms, and training caregivers, alongside initial assessments of patients' conditions. It emphasizes the importance of communication and collaboration among multidisciplinary teams to enhance care delivery.

1. PHYSIOTHERAPY IN PALLIATIVE CARE
Melissa Ng Senior Physiotherapist Yishun Community Hospital

2. Palliative Care
An approach that improves the quality of life of
patients and their families facing the problem
associated with life-threatening illness, through the
prevention and relief of suffering by means of early
identification and impeccable assessment and
treatment of pain and other problems, physical,
psychosocial and spiritual.
World Health Organization

3. Palliative Care
World Health Organization

4. Common Physical Symptoms
Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Oncology and Palliative Care
◂Loss of appetite and weight loss
◂Dehydration
◂Nausea and vomiting
◂Constipation
◂Functional Decline
◂Dyspnea
◂Pain
◂Fatigue
Fatigue
Disease
Pain
Shortness
of breath
Depression
Difficult
emotions
Stress &
Anxiety

5. When a person is seriously ill, the awareness of
how important the physical body is for all
experiences and emotions becomes obvious
The state of the body decides what the
patient can take part in and do in
everyday life

6. Role of PT in Palliative Care
◂Promoting / optimizing physical activity
◂Symptoms management
◂Education and training of MDT as well as patients and
carergivers
◂Dissemination of information to MDT with key role in
discharge planning
◂Communication and collaboration between primary and
secondary care
Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Oncology and Palliative Care

7. Conducting an Initial Assessment
◂Primary diagnosis
◂Localization of tumor / possible metastasis
◂Prognosis & ongoing medical treatment
◂Secondary diagnoses
◂Contraindications
◂Patient’s awareness of condition
◂Psychosocial well being
◂Current functional status

8. Common Physical Symptoms
Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Oncology and Palliative Care
◂Loss of appetite and weight loss
◂Dehydration
◂Nausea and vomiting
◂Constipation
◂Functional Decline
◂Dyspnea
◂Pain
◂Fatigue
Fatigue
Disease
Pain
Shortness
of breath
Depression
Difficult
emotions
Stress &
Anxiety

9. ◂ Relaxation techniques
◂ Controlled breathing
◂ Postural Education
◂ Stretches / Breathing Exercises
◂Effective coughing techniques / Huffing
◂Oxygen therapy
Managing Dyspnea

10. ◂Physical Activity / Mobilization
◂Massage / Relaxation Techniques
◂Heat Pack
◂TENS
Managing Pain

11. ◂Physical Activity
◂Energy Conservation Techniques
◂Use of assistive devices
◂Frequent rest intervals
◂Supported activities
◂Smaller meals but more frequent
Managing Fatigue

12. ◂Natural reaction to threat and severe stress and can
show as fear, worry, anger and panic
◂Is it possible to divert? Is the patient taking medication
for anxiety?
◂Soft tissue massage, music therapy, relaxation
techniques
Managing Anxiety

13. ◂Bed mobility and transfer techniques
◂Providing ambulatory assistance
◂Use of assistive devices
◂Breathing / Relaxation techniques
◂Energy conservation techniques
◂Fall precautions
◂Chest PT techniques
Caregiver Training

14. Goals Setting
Desired Function Current Function
Prognosis
Symptoms

15. Creating moments
Adding life to days