What is palliative care?

Palliative (Pal-lee-uh-tiv) care is a special form of care for patients and their families facing a serious illness. This type of care is focused on helping to ease the pain and symptoms of your illness. It also helps provide practical, emotional and spiritual support during this stressful time.

The Palliative Care Team can help with the stress and symptoms that people and their families experience during serious illness. Sometimes we help by using medications, or we help by listening to you and talking through difficult issues. We also help by making sure everyone is on the right page. At the end of the day, we are here as an extra layer of support for you and your family.

Managing Symptoms

Our goal is to help you be as independent and comfortable as possible. We help manage your pain and other symptoms such as:

  • Breathing problems
  • Weakness
  • Nausea and loss of appetite
  • Bowel and bladder problems
  • Confusion
  • Depression and anxiety

What can I expect at my appointment?

You will meet with a doctor and a social worker to help you with:

  • Symptom relief
  • Challenges with your care
  • Making treatment decisions  

Do you offer virtual appointments?

Yes, our providers offer virtual appointments through Zoom.

What happens if I am admitted to the hospital?

You can be seen by the palliative care team if you are admitted to Barnes-Jewish Hospital. Ask your primary doctor or medical team to submit a consult to the Inpatient Palliative Care Consult Team. They can help with managing your symptoms, goals of care discussions and planning for discharge.

How to submit a referral to the Outpatient Palliative Care Clinic?

Submit an Ambulatory Referral to BJH COH Palliative Care via EPIC.

OR

Email a referral form to PC_Clinic@bjc.org

Additional Questions?

You can call or email us at:

314-747-5361

PC_Clinic@bjc.org