Key Principles of Palliative Care

Prior to opening Anthem Hospice, Dr. Khalid Shirif served as the medical director of several other end-of-life care programs in Mesa, Arizona. Dr. Khalid Shirif holds American College of Surgeon board certifications in, general surgery, and palliative care.

The decision to enter palliative care can be emotionally difficult for patients and their families. Palliative care providers follow several principles to ensure that every patient receives the best possible care. This includes the following concepts that are common to all end-of-life care:

Autonomy: Effective palliative care is patient-focused and considers the patient and their families’ preferences, cultural and religious beliefs, and end-of-life wishes. Patients can also make important decisions regarding their care.

Holistic: Palliative care goes beyond treating the disease and managing physical symptoms. It often also includes mental health and emotional support, spiritual counseling, and assistance for close family members.

Contextualization: Since palliative care can begin at any point during the course of a life-threatening illness, it is essential that care practices accurately reflect the patient’s condition. For example, neglecting to treat a patient in the early stages of a terminal illness or administering intrusive therapies at the end of the disease course are both against palliative care ethics.

Who Benefits from Palliative Care?

Dr. Khalid Shirif, a dedicated leader in the medical field, serves as the medical director for Sunrise Health, Anthem Hospice, and Traditions Hospice in Mesa, Arizona. In addition to his medical degree from The University of Minnesota Medical School, Dr. Khalid Mahmoud Shirif received board certification in general surgery, hospice, and palliative care from the American College of Surgeons.

Palliative care provides personalized medical services, support, and resources of patients who are suffering from a variety of medical conditions. It enhances the quality of life for patients by improving symptom management efforts beyond that of standard care. Furthermore, it boosts comfort and reduces stress for the patient’s family since the burden of caring for a sick loved one is shifted to the palliative care team.

Since palliative care is personalized, it is capable of helping patients regardless of their age or the illness they are dealing with. Patients with cardiac issues, like heart valve problems or heart failure, often benefit from palliative care. As do patients with ALS and other neurological issues, cancer, complex surgical issues, and medical illness that significantly impacts their quality of life.

Considering one in four adults in the United States have a chronic disease, and three in four adults over the age of 65 do, palliative care can benefit a huge range of people.

The Evolving Role of Hospice Facilities

Dr. Khalid Shirif possesses medical experience that spans nearly three decades. In his present positions, Dr. Khalid Shirif serves as the owner and medical director of both Anthem Hospice and Vanguard Physician Group. He is also the medical director of Traditions Hospice.

The role of hospice care has been evolving. In addition to the typical functions of pain management and symptom control, hospice facilities now work to provide emotional support to their patients and families. Staff members understand that feeling panic, angry, and helpless are normal at this time, so measures are put in place to address this stress and anxiety.

Additionally, hospice facilities have embraced spiritual care, which, for many, is an essential part of the end of life. Many hospices try to incorporate a harmonious spiritual environment for their patients. Activities include music therapy, massage, and Reiki (the belief in touching with the hands to strengthen energy fields in the body).