Palliative Care

Palliative care is different from hospice care because we start working with you at the time of your diagnosis, not toward the end of treatment. We provide support every step of the way. We help you navigate the health care system, provide guidance in the complex treatment choices you face, and help you better communicate with your physicians and your family. 

Research shows that palliative care significantly improves quality of life and may even prolong life.

Providing relief and preventing your suffering are our main goals. That is true whether you are pushing through a vigorous curative treatment, or require end-of-life care. We focus on helping you feel better regardless of your prognosis through assessment and treatment of your symptoms.

Inpatient and Outpatient Services
Whether you are in the hospital, or being seen as an outpatient, our services are available to you and accessible throughout the Duke University Health System. We also work closely with Duke HomeCare & Hospice to arrange for post-hospital care at other facilities.

We Help You Define Your Goals
We work with you to help you understand your treatment, make decisions, and clarify your goals and values. We help you communicate your desires and wishes to your family and your medical team.

Leader in Palliative Care Research
We are a coordinating center for studies and clinical trials that seek to better understand the impact of living with a serious illness and the role palliative care can play. Our research has identified better ways to manage symptoms and to improve communication between physicians, patients, and their families. 

You may be eligible to participate in these studies, which will give you access to new therapies for treating symptoms, ways to manage the stress of illness, and novel communication approaches.