Identifying and assessing clients

In the integrated model of palliative care, individuals who could benefit from a palliative approach are identified early in the illness trajectory, so their physical, psychosocial and spiritual needs are met throughout their illness journey.

Early identification of a palliative approach to care can help ensure:

• client needs are identified earlier in the illness which in turn improves quality of life and allows clients to receive care in a location of their choice;
• improved pain and symptom management; and
• fewer hospital admissions and ER visits.

If you are unsure whether your client could benefit from a palliative approach, ask yourself, “Would I be surprised if this person died within the next six to 12 months?”

If your answer is no, the client would likely benefit from a palliative approach to care.

The Supportive and Palliative Care Indicators Tool (PDF) and the clinical frailty scale may also help you to determine if an individual can benefit from a palliative approach.