DRMC - Section of Supportive, Hospice and Palliative Medicine

21/07/2026

Culture influences far more than language or traditions. It shapes how people understand serious illness, discuss prognosis, make healthcare decisions, and define what a “good death” means. Some families prefer full disclosure to the patient, while others believe difficult news should first be shared with family members. Some value aggressive treatment until the very end, while others place greater importance on comfort, dignity, and spending meaningful time with loved ones. These beliefs are deeply personal and should never be assumed based on race, ethnicity, or religion alone (National Consensus Project, 2024; World Health Organization, 2020).

Hospice care respects every patient’s beliefs, values, and cultural traditions. The most important step is to ask, not assume. Questions like, “Are there any cultural or family beliefs we should know about to care for you in the most meaningful way?” help build trust and ensure care aligns with what matters most to the patient and family. Research shows that culturally responsive communication improves patient satisfaction, strengthens trust, and leads to care that better reflects each person’s wishes at the end of life (National Consensus Project, 2024; Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, 2024).

15/07/2026

❤️ Join us for the fourth session of our 2026 Webinar Series!

Heart failure is a progressive condition that can significantly impact a person's quality of life. How can palliative care be integrated to better support patients and their families throughout the disease journey?

Join us for an insightful webinar on "Palliative Care in Heart Failure."

🗓 12 August 2026 (Wednesday)
🕝 2:30–4:00 pm (Singapore Time)
💻 Live on Zoom | 1.5-hour session + Q&A

We are honoured to welcome two distinguished speakers from the National Taiwan University: Dr Shao-Yi Cheng & Dr Hsien-Liang Huang

🔗 Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/8VCdZU5gQcSzj1BzWtTKNg

15/07/2026

Dr. Aura Lanaban mentors our former Palliative Medicine resident rotators on the proper approach to presenting cases during the Cancer Center for Mindanao (CCM) Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) Conference.

Effective case presentation is more than sharing clinical information. It is about communicating clearly, thinking critically, and fostering meaningful collaboration among specialists to ensure every patient receives comprehensive and individualized cancer care.

15/07/2026

Preparing our pre-fellow trainee for the start of her Palliative Medicine Fellowship Training on August 1, 2026. Every round, discussion, and case endorsement is an opportunity to strengthen her clinical knowledge, sharpen her decision-making, and cultivate the compassion that defines our specialty.

Training the next generation of palliative care physicians is both a privilege and a responsibility. We look forward to seeing her continue to grow as she embarks on this important journey.

08/07/2026

01/07/2026

People living and dying with serious illness may have emotional, social, spiritual and existential concerns as well as mental ill-health.

01/06/2026

We are honored to share that one of our very own products of the fellowship training Dr. Julius Atacador, recently presented his research work as a printed poster during the 20th World Congress of the European Association for Palliative Care held last May 14-16 in Prague, entitled:

“Effects of Opioid Nebulization on Breathlessness Among Chronically Ill Adult Patients: A Systematic Review.”

This achievement reflects the growing commitment of our institution to research, innovation, and excellence in palliative care.

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

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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