Journal of palliative medicine
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Relationships of care for those facing illness are inherent to the practice of medicine. Palliative care provides interpersonal space to patients and families that helps them face serious illness and dying. We consider therapeutic holding uniquely critical in palliative care but see it as applying in varied forms throughout medicine. ⋯ This case exemplifies how psychodynamic theory discerns and describes elements of palliative care's therapeutic holding. The case further illuminates the important place of therapeutic holding in effective palliative care and shows how psychodynamic therapy can help. We urge further research on therapeutic holding in palliative care.
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The diagnosis of an aggressive, primary brain tumor is life altering for those affected and too often portends a poor prognosis. Despite decades of research, neither a cure nor even a therapy that reliably and dramatically prolongs survival has been found. ⋯ This article brings together neuro-oncologists, neurologists, and palliative care (PC) physicians to help shine a light on these diseases, their genetics, treatment options, and the symptoms likely to be encountered both from the underlying illness and its treatment. We hope to increase the understanding that PC teams have around these illnesses to improve care for patients and families.