DRMC - Section of Supportive, Hospice and Palliative Medicine

24/05/2026

Understanding the Hospice Philosophy

The hospice philosophy is centered on comfort, dignity, compassion, and quality of life for individuals facing a life-limiting illness. Rather than focusing on curing disease, hospice focuses on relieving suffering and supporting patients and families physically, emotionally, spiritually, and psychologically. The goal is neither to hasten death nor prolong suffering, but to help patients live as fully and comfortably as possible during the time they have remaining (American Cancer Society, 2024).

Hospice recognizes dying as a natural part of life. Care shifts from aggressive curative treatment toward symptom management, emotional support, communication, and honoring the patient’s wishes and goals of care. Research and national hospice organizations continue to emphasize that hospice care improves comfort, supports dignity, and helps reduce unnecessary suffering at the end of life (World Health Organization (WHO), 2023).

A core principle of hospice philosophy is holistic, patient-centered care. Hospice teams work together to address pain, breathlessness, anxiety, agitation, emotional distress, spiritual concerns, caregiver burden, and family education. Interdisciplinary teams often include nurses, physicians, nurse practitioners, aides, social workers, chaplains, counselors, and volunteers working collaboratively to support both the patient and the family (National Consensus Project, 2024).

Hospice philosophy also emphasizes respect for dignity, autonomy, and personal values. Patients are encouraged to make informed decisions about their care, express their wishes, and focus on what matters most to them. Families are treated as part of the unit of care because serious illness affects everyone involved, not just the patient. Bereavement and emotional support remain important parts of hospice care even after death occurs (NHPCO, 2024).

Importantly, hospice is not “giving up.” Hospice is choosing comfort-focused care when cure is no longer possible or no longer desired. Studies and hospice organizations consistently describe hospice as a philosophy that prioritizes comfort, peace, symptom relief, communication, and quality of life during one of life’s most vulnerable stages (AAHPM, 2023; Connor & Sepulveda, 2014).

27/04/2026

Call for Fellowship Applicants
Davao Regional Medical Center – Section of Supportive, Hospice, and Palliative Medicine

The Section of Supportive, Hospice, and Palliative Medicine at Davao Regional Medical Center is now accepting applications for its Fellowship Training Program.

Our Vision
To be a recognized Center of Excellence in Supportive, Hospice, and Palliative Care by training future leaders and specialists, upholding international standards, and providing comprehensive, people-centered care for patients and families with integrity and a culture of excellence.

Our Mission
To promote and advance supportive, hospice, and palliative care through education, training, research, and collaborative practice. Guided by integrity, driven by a culture of excellence, and anchored on people-centered values, we strive to improve the quality of life of patients with advanced life-threatening illnesses while providing holistic support for their families.

One (1) MOIV slot is available.

We invite FM Diplomates who share this mission and vision to apply and be part of a training program dedicated to compassionate, comprehensive, and patient-centered care.

For inquiries and application details below.

27/04/2026

Understanding the Misconception About Hospice Care

Understanding the misconception about hospice care starts with one important truth: hospice is not about giving up; it is about focusing on what matters most. When a patient chooses hospice, the goal shifts from curing disease to providing comfort, dignity, and quality of life (National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization [NHPCO], 2023). This means managing pain, easing shortness of breath, addressing anxiety, and supporting both the patient and their family through the process.

Another common misunderstanding is that hospice is only for the last few days of life. In reality, hospice is appropriate for patients with a life expectancy of six months or less, and earlier enrollment is associated with improved symptom control and quality of life (World Health Organization [WHO], 2020).

Many also fear that hospice hastens death. Hospice neither hastens nor prolongs the dying process; it allows the natural progression of illness while ensuring the patient is comfortable and free from suffering (NHPCO, 2023). Care is individualized, and treatments that improve comfort, such as medications, oxygen, or antibiotics, may still be used when they align with the patient’s goals.

Hospice is not a place; it is a service that can be provided wherever the patient calls home. Most importantly, hospice supports not only the patient but also the entire family, offering guidance, education, and emotional support during one of life’s most difficult transitions (WHO, 2020).

Hospice is not the end of care. It is a different kind of care, one centered on comfort, compassion, and dignity.

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27/04/2026

What Is a DNR and Why Is It Important in Hospice Care?

A Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order is a medical directive that tells healthcare providers not to perform CPR if a patient’s heart stops beating or they stop breathing. This includes chest compressions, electric shocks, and advanced life support measures.

In hospice care, a DNR is not about withholding care; it is about honoring the patient’s wishes and focusing on comfort, dignity, and quality of life.

For patients with serious or terminal illness, CPR is often unlikely to restore meaningful recovery and may cause additional harm, such as broken ribs, prolonged suffering, or hospitalization that does not align with the patient’s goals (American Heart Association, 2020; NHPCO, 2023).

A DNR allows the care team to fully focus on what hospice does best: managing symptoms, relieving pain, and supporting both the patient and the family through the natural process of dying.

Without a DNR, emergency responders are typically required to attempt resuscitation even if it goes against what the patient would have wanted. This can lead to distress for families and care that does not reflect the patient’s values. With a DNR in place, there is clarity. There is alignment. There is peace.

In hospice, choosing a DNR is not about giving up; it is about choosing how you want to be cared for at the end of life.

Follow for evidence-based hospice education:
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Facebook: The Hospice NP

17/04/2026

📺 Missed our webinar on “Palliative Care in the ICU” with Adjunct Assistant Professor Poi Choo Hwee & Dr Nittha Oer-areemitr?

No worries—you can catch the full session anytime on our Member’s Corner!

💻 Watch it here: https://aphn.org/members-corner/

If you weren’t able to join us live, this is a great opportunity to learn from our expert speakers and explore how palliative care can be integrated into ICU settings.

👥 Not a member yet?
Join us today to access this webinar recording and many more exclusive educational resources.

16/04/2026

House of Hope Foundation for Kids with Cancer Inc and Davao Regional Medical Center welcome the delegates from Port Moresby General Hospital, Papua New Guinea

16/04/2026

APHN - ZOOM LECTURE ON PALLIATIVE CARE IN ICU….

11/04/2026

We will be hosting a free online event at the FM Conference Room on April 16, 2026, at 2:30 PM.

We warmly invite all doctors and nurses of Davao Regional Medical Center to join us.

10/02/2026

14/01/2026

We are pleased to share that one of our palliative care consultants, DR JULIUS ATACADOR, successfully participated in the Malaysian Association of Pediatric Palliative Care (MAPPAC) National Training of Pediatric Palliative Provider Workshop 2026, held at the Malaysian Children’s Hospice in Kuala Lumpur from January 8 to 10, 2026.

This intensive training provided updated, evidence-based approaches in pediatric symptom management, communication with children and families, and holistic end-of-life care. The knowledge and skills gained from this program will directly strengthen the pediatric palliative care services of Davao Regional Medical Center by enhancing the quality of care delivered to children with life-limiting illnesses. It also supports our commitment to compassionate, family-centered care, and to building a multidisciplinary team that is well-equipped to address the complex physical, emotional, and psychosocial needs of our young patients.

TO GOD BE ALL THE GLORY...