Palliative care in gynaecology

Palliative care focuses on maximal treatment of symptoms of disease when there is no curative therapy available. In gynaecology, the majority of palliative care is focused in oncology care. Key symptom areas are pain control and management of bowel and pulmonary dysfunction including maximal management of nausea. In addition, the unique issues of end-of-life care create special challenges for communication with patients and their families. The role of the health professional is often that of navigator and advocate, and is a key role in a multidisciplinary approach to managing these patients.