Top Ten Tips Palliative Care Clinicians Should Know About Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Speech Language Pathology

J Palliat Med. 2024 May;27(5):681-687. doi: 10.1089/jpm.2023.0545. Epub 2023 Oct 13.

Abstract

This article provides guidance on the integral role of physical therapy, occupational therapy (OT), and speech language pathology (SLP) in palliative care (PC), underlining the necessity for effective communication between physicians and therapists, the importance of caregiver education and support, the application of holistic treatment modalities in OT, the underutilization of resources in PC settings, the role of SLP professionals in feeding and nutrition, and the challenges in communication during the advanced stages of illness. The article draws on various studies and expert opinions to elucidate these issues, offering a valuable resource to health care professionals in ensuring high-quality patient-centered PC.

Keywords: communication in health care; occupational therapy; palliative care; physical therapy; speech language pathology.

MeSH terms

  • Communication
  • Humans
  • Occupational Therapy* / methods
  • Palliative Care*
  • Physical Therapy Modalities
  • Speech-Language Pathology*