Palliative Care Program

The Palliative Care Service at Smilow Cancer Hospital has been providing comprehensive interdisciplinary care to patients and their families since October 2007. The service, directed by Lawrence Solomon, MD, focuses on symptom management and quality of life issues for adult patients with serious chronic progressive or terminal illnesses.

“An important distinction needs to be made between hospice care and palliative care. Palliative care is available to patients at any stage of their illness and helps to improve and maintain the quality of their lives at the same time that other treatments are being used to control or possibly cure their underlying disease. If treatment of the illness is no longer effective, palliative care continues to focus on maintaining patient comfort and meeting the needs of patients and their families,” Dr. Solomon explained.

Leslie Blatt, APRN, is the Clinical Coordinator of the service. She and Dr. Solomon initially consult with patients together and then Leslie handles the follow-up care.

The program is centered on the patient and their family, and deals with physical issues such as pain, fatigue, and nausea; and also with psychosocial issues like depression, disruption of family life, and financial concerns. Each patient consultation includes a comprehensive review of medical records, a detailed medical history, a physical examination, and a discussion of the symptoms, goals, values, social interests, and spiritual needs of the patient and his/her family. Ongoing evaluation and follow-care is then provided as needed.

For more information, or to schedule an appointment, please call (203) 200-4780.