WILLEMSTAD, February 12, 2024 – For many patients facing terminal illness, palliative care can be a vital source of comfort and dignity. Recognizing its importance, Curaçao Medical Center (CMC) brought together their own healthcare professionals and external experts in the palliative care field on January 24, 2025, for a session on how palliative care enhances the quality of life for patients and their families. Interactive discussions, shared experiences and insight reinforced the collective mission of delivering high-quality palliative care. Participants learned how holistic, patient-centered care can bring relief beyond traditional treatment. Palliative care is about more than just managing symptoms, it’s about enhancing the quality of life for every patient.
Dr. Marcella V/der Graaf, CMC’s internist-oncologist, set the stage with an introduction to palliative care, emphasizing its role in addressing not just physical symptoms, but also emotional and psychological well-being. While her colleague, Lucien Zuiverloon, coordinator of CMC radiotherapists, shed light on the benefits of palliative radiotherapy, explaining how targeted treatments can significantly ease pain and discomfort for patients with advanced cancer.
Beyond medical interventions, the session also underscored the importance of cultural and social factors in end-of-life care. Angelique Ignatia of Wit Gele Kruis highlighted how cultural beliefs shape patient experiences, reinforcing the need for culturally sensitive approaches. Additionally, Thuis Zorg Banda Bou organization spoke about the role of family and community support, which often serves as a pillar of strength for patients navigating this stage of life.
Strategies for enhancing comfort and improving patients’ overall quality of life were shared and the often-misunderstood concept of palliative sedation were clarified. This differs from euthanasia as controlled sedation can alleviate suffering by putting patients into a deep, restful sleep. The use of morphine was also discussed as a critical method in pain management. Furthermore, Arco Cavent (Hospice Care) detailed how they collaborate in providing specialized, compassionate care in home-like settings, ensuring patients spend their final days in comfort and peace.
CMC remains committed to ongoing education and support for providers and patients. This is to help ensure comfort, dignity, and a sense of peace for patients and their loved ones during one of life’s most difficult moments.
