Medical care, particularly in life-limiting illnesses, is often classified into categories based on its intent – be it curative or supportive. Patients in hospice care are receiving comfort care, and yet “curative intent” is considered by some to be a “phase of hospice.” What does curative intent mean and how does it relate to hospice care?
The Definition of Curative Intent
When a person is diagnosed with having a “life limiting illness,” it means that they have received a terminal medical diagnosis for which survival is considered unlikely, if not implausible. These diseases, which include issues like stage 4 cancer, are typically not considered survivable, and so a patient often takes the next steps towards getting their affairs in order and, potentially moving into hospice service.
Still, there are situations where someone with a life limiting illness still has what is known as “curative intent.” This means that the patient has decided to take aggressive measures to see if there is a chance at survival. Curative intent often involves treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and more, with the goal of eradicating the illness and restoring the patient’s health to a pre-disease state.
Curative intent is considered applicable when the patient has received a diagnosis of a life limiting illness, but there are factors that make aggressive treatment a possibility, such as:
- Early Diagnosis – The disease is detected at an early stage, improving the odds of complete eradication.
- Treatable Conditions – The disease is known to respond to current medical treatments.
- Patient Health – The overall health of the patient is robust enough to withstand aggressive treatments.
For a patient to be diagnosed with a “life-limiting illness,” it is assumed that engaging in curative treatments will be difficult with a low probability of success. But patients who are young, with conditions that have been shown to respond to current treatments, and who were able to pursue treatments early enough can still attempt to “cure” them even if their diagnosis implies difficulty in doing so.
Why is This Considered a Stage or Phase of Hospice Care?
Some people call “Curative Intent” of a life limiting illness to be a part of the hospice care process. Patients only enter hospice, however, when there is limited to no likelihood of survival. Hospice care, also known as “palliative care,” will then help the patient live out their days in dignity, helping them be comfortable and cared for as they move forward.
Patients with curative intent are not part of the hospice program. Hospice is only available to patients that have been told by their physician and medical experts that treatment is no longer viable. But some still consider patients with curative intent of life limiting illnesses to be a stage of hospice, because many patients start with curative intent before moving on towards palliative care.
When curative treatments are no longer effective or viable, the focus often shifts to palliative or hospice care. These alternatives aim to provide symptom relief and improve the quality of life rather than curing the disease. At American River Hospice Care, our focus is on providing compassionate and comprehensive hospice services that meet the emotional, physical, and spiritual needs of our patients.
We understand the complexities and emotional difficulty involved in shifting from curative intent to hospice care. Our team of experienced healthcare professionals is here to guide you through this transitional phase, ensuring that the focus remains on quality of life and dignity.