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The Health Technology Podcast

The Future of Palliative Care: Insights from Steve Pantilat

Apr 22, 2025
Steve Pantilat, Chief of the Division of Palliative Medicine at UCSF and a pioneer in patient-centered care, shares his profound insights on improving the quality of life for those facing serious illnesses. He reflects on his journey shaped by the AIDS crisis and challenges misconceptions surrounding palliative care. The dialogue emphasizes embracing life amidst grief and the importance of addressing emotional well-being. Exciting innovations, particularly telemedicine, are also discussed, highlighting a future where compassionate care is accessible to everyone.
43:14

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Palliative care focuses on enhancing the quality of life for seriously ill patients by alleviating symptoms and providing emotional support.
  • The integration of telemedicine in palliative care has improved access and flexibility, allowing more patients to benefit from these essential services.

Deep dives

The Importance of Palliative Care

Palliative care significantly improves the quality of life for patients with serious illnesses. It focuses on alleviating symptoms such as pain and shortness of breath, while also providing emotional and practical support for both patients and their families. The approach emphasizes that patients receiving palliative care do not live shorter lives; in many cases, they may live just as long, if not longer, than those who do not utilize these services. This care model is essential not only for comfort but also for ensuring that patients can prioritize their values and goals during treatment.

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