A Referral to SPC is Appropriate When

The patient has unrelieved physical symptoms relating to their illness.
The patient and/or family/whanau has unresolved psychological, social, spiritual or religious concerns.
The patient and/or family/whanau need additional support, reassurance or assistance during a period of crisis.
The patient has complex or distressing emotional or behavioral difficulties related to the illness.
The patient has complex social issues involving children, family or carers (this may include the physical and/or human environment, finances, communication, learning disabilities, etc.).
The patient has issues around self worth, loss of meaning and hope (may include requests for euthanasia, as well as other ethical dilemmas).
The patient has symptoms that are difficult to manage in the context of advancing organ failure and/or medication delivery problems.
It is anticipated that the patient will have complex needs within the community setting on discharge from hospital that require SPC expertise around discharge planning.

It should be noted that many patients may still be receiving active treatment for their underlying disease process; the Palliative Care Team will work alongside the referring team to ensure that both symptomatic management and support is maximized. On occasions a member of the SPC may be asked to assist with psychological/ emotional support for the primary clinical team (such as de-briefing) and this would be done on an as-needed basis.


Information about this Canterbury DHB document (11341):
Document Owner:	Palliative Care Service (see Who's Who)
Issue Date:	July 2009
Next Review:	July 2010
Note: Only the electronic version is controlled. Once printed, this is no longer a controlled document.
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Have you read the Disclaimer? These pathways, for the care and management of patients within Canterbury, have been developed jointly by primary and secondary care clinicians. They provide guidance for General Practice teams to diagnose and manage patients suffering from a number of different conditions, and contain patient information resources. The pathways are maps of publicly-funded services accessed by referral from the community, and are strongly evidence based, but are not full clinical guidelines. As the pathways are suggested guidance only, while using them you must exercise your own clinical judgement and pertinent clinical data when treating your patient. This site is intended to be flexible and frequently updated. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, all information should be verified.

Topic Code: 11341