Integrating Comfort with Cancer Care
Comprehensive Cancer Care. Providing ethical and accessible treatment since 1954.
“The team at the Department of Palliative Medicine leave no stone unturned to deliver compassionate care best aligned to the preferences of patients and their families. We are able to do this by our collaboration with the oncology team who share the same vision. We aspire to provide a continuum of care to all patients with cancer who seek treatment at our institution, no matter the stage of the disease and its final outcome.”
Integrating Comfort with Cancer Care
The Department of Palliative Medicine provides specialized, patient-centered care aimed at improving the quality of life of patients and families facing cancer and other serious illnesses. As an integral part of a tertiary cancer institute, the department works alongside oncology teams to address pain, distressing symptoms, psychological concerns, and supportive care needs throughout the course of illness.
Our multidisciplinary team—including physicians, nurses, psychologists, social workers, and allied health professionals—focuses on comprehensive symptom management, psychosocial support, communication about goals of care, and support for patients and families during advanced illness and end-of-life care.
The department also contributes actively to education, training, research, and quality improvement initiatives to advance palliative care practice. Through collaboration with national professional bodies such as the Indian Association of Palliative Care and academic initiatives like the Academy of Palliative Medicine, the department supports the development of skilled palliative care professionals.
By integrating palliative care early in the cancer care pathway, the department aims to relieve suffering, enhance dignity, and support patients and families in making informed decisions aligned with their values and goals.
Consult our specialists if you experience any of the following:
At any stage of a serious illness, particularly when symptoms or supportive care needs arise
Uncontrolled pain or distressing symptoms such as breathlessness, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, or loss of appetite
Advanced or metastatic cancer, where additional supportive care is required alongside ongoing oncological treatment
Side effects from cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or surgery that affect comfort or daily functioning
Emotional or psychological distress experienced by patients or family members
Need for guidance on goals of care, treatment decisions, or advance care planning
Requirement for home-based care, supportive care planning, or end-of-life care
Support for caregivers who need assistance in managing symptoms and providing care at home
Pharmacological management of cancer pain using WHO analgesic ladder
Opioid therapy including morphine and other strong opioids
Adjuvant medications for neuropathic and refractory pain
Interventional pain procedures in collaboration with relevant specialties
Management of symptoms such as breathlessness, nausea, vomiting, constipation, delirium, fatigue, and anxiety
Nutritional and hydration support when appropriate
Management of malignant wounds, pressure ulcers, and other distressing physical symptoms
Psychological counselling for patients and caregivers
Social work support for financial, family, and community-related concerns
Spiritual care and emotional support when needed
Advance care planning and goals-of-care discussions
End-of-life care and comfort-focused treatment
Bereavement support for families
Outpatient palliative care consultations
Inpatient supportive care for admitted patients
Hospice and home-based palliative care services
Telephone and tele-consultation follow-up for symptom monitoring and medication titration
Screening for palliative care needs in outpatient and inpatient oncology services
Early referral of patients with advanced or complex symptoms
Routine symptom assessment to detect and address distress early
Proactive management of pain and other distressing symptoms
Prevention and management of treatment-related side effects from chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery
Early nutritional and functional assessment to prevent decline
Pressure ulcer prevention through regular assessment and skin care
Constipation prevention in patients receiving opioid therapy
Prevention of delirium through careful medication review and supportive care
Maintenance of oral hygiene and oral care to prevent infections
Opioid stewardship and safe opioid dispensing systems
Routine psycho-social assessment to identify emotional distress in patients and caregivers
Counselling to reduce psychological distress in patients and families
Referral to psychiatrist when indicated, following assessment of psychological or psychiatric concerns
Education for caregivers on symptom monitoring and home care practices
Regular follow-up through outpatient visits, home-based care, and telephone consultations
Early intervention for symptom exacerbations to prevent avoidable hospital visits or admissions
DNB in Palliative Medicine training program with an intake of 2 postgraduate trainees each year
Home-based palliative care services within Chennai
Training and educational programs for healthcare professionals in palliative care, including structured learning opportunities for doctors, nurses, social workers, and allied health professionals
Active participation in national training and capacity-building initiatives conducted by the Indian Association of Palliative Care and the Academy of Palliative Medicine
Dedicated free-of-cost hospice facility - Mahaveer Ashray at Sriperumbudur, offering inpatient hospice care for patients requiring end-of-life care and comprehensive support for families.
A compassionate space for families who have lost loved ones to cancer. This group offers grief counselling, emotional support, and community connection to help navigate the journey of loss and healing.
Designed for newly diagnosed patients and their families, this group provides guidance on understanding the diagnosis, navigating treatment options, coping strategies, and connecting with resources available at the institute.
A specialized support group focused on educating caregivers about Ryles tube management, feeding techniques, hygiene practices, and troubleshooting common issues to ensure safe and comfortable care at home.
A dedicated forum for caregivers to share their experiences, learn self-care strategies, manage caregiver fatigue, and receive emotional and practical support from peers and professionals.
The Department of Palliative Medicine has played a pivotal role in advancing comprehensive, compassionate, and patient-centered supportive care within the institute. Over the years, the department has contributed significantly to the integration of palliative care into routine oncology practice, ensuring that patients receive holistic care addressing physical, psychological, social, and spiritual needs throughout the course of illness.
The comprehensive palliative care service at the Cancer Institute began as part of the Department of Anaesthesia, later evolving into the Department of Anaesthesia, Pain and Palliative Care. The palliative care outpatient service was initiated in 2010, initially operating two days per week, and has since expanded into a full-fledged outpatient palliative care service functioning six days a week.
Home-based palliative care services were introduced in 2014 to provide continued support for patients unable to frequently visit the hospital, and daily outpatient services began in 2015. In 2017, the institute established its dedicated hospice facility, Mahaveer Ashray at Sriperumbudur, providing inpatient hospice and end-of-life care.
Today, the palliative care team has grown into a multidisciplinary team of nearly 20 members, comprising physicians, nurses, psychiatrists, psychologists, medical social workers, volunteers, and a data management team. Care is delivered through a collaborative multidisciplinary approach, with close involvement of disease-specific oncology specialists to ensure integrated patient care.
The department remains committed to ensuring accessible and equitable care. Outpatient palliative care services are subsidized and free for general ward patients, while home-based care and hospice services are provided entirely free of cost to patients and their families.
The growth and sustainability of the department have been supported by the generous contributions of partners such as the Cipla Foundation, along with other donors and sponsors who have helped strengthen palliative care services and expand support for patients in need.
A testament to our pioneering contributions in medical care and research, establishing a legacy of clinical excellence.
Leading center in training international and national postgraduate fellows.
Established an integrated palliative care service within the tertiary cancer institute, providing comprehensive symptom management and supportive care across outpatient, inpatient, home care, and hospice settings
Initiation of DNB in Palliative Medicine training program, with an intake of two postgraduate trainees each year, contributing to the development of specialized palliative care professionals
Development of home-based palliative care services within Chennai, enabling continuity of care for patients who are unable to frequently visit the hospital
Establishment of the hospice facility - Mahaveer Ashray at Sriperumbudur, providing free inpatient hospice and end-of-life care services for patients requiring specialized supportive care
Active involvement in national palliative care education and training, including participation in programs conducted by the Indian Association of Palliative Care and the Academy of Palliative Medicine
Contribution to academic activities and research in palliative care, including publications, quality improvement initiatives, and participation in national and international conferences
Capacity building of healthcare professionals, through training programs, workshops, and mentorship in palliative care practices
Expert oncology care is just an appointment away. Our multidisciplinary team is here to provide you with the most advanced care in a supportive environment.
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