Section of Palliative Care and Medical Ethics

Patient Care

The mission of palliative care is to help patients and their loved ones navigate the challenges of serious illness with dignity, comfort, and clarity. Our interdisciplinary, team-based approach provides an extra layer of support that complements ongoing treatment from primary care providers and specialists.

Through the UPMC Palliative and Supportive Institute, we deliver care across multiple settings – from hospitals and clinics to patients’ homes – ensuring that compassionate, whole-person care is available wherever it is needed.

Our teams include physicians, nurse practitioners, psychologists, social workers, pharmacists, and spiritual care providers who work together to relieve pain and other symptoms, address emotional and spiritual concerns, and guide complex medical decision-making. Whether recovery is expected or the goal is comfort and quality of life, our focus is always on aligning care with each patient’s values and priorities.

In the hospital, palliative care teams collaborate closely with attending physicians to assess needs, manage symptoms, and support patients and families through treatment and transitions of care. In outpatient and home settings, we help patients live as well as possible while managing the effects of illness, offering practical guidance and emotional support for both patients and caregivers.

By reducing suffering, fostering communication, and honoring what matters most to each individual, the Section of Palliative Care and Medical Ethics works together to help patients and families find strength, comfort, and meaning throughout the course of serious illness.

Patient, Loved One, and Caregiver Support

Caring for someone with a serious illness can be both meaningful and challenging. These trusted organizations offer education, connection, and support for patients, families, and caregivers navigating the emotional, physical, and practical aspects of care.

Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Family Alliance:  Provides information, written materials, and access to more than 400 peer support groups nationwide for families affected by childhood cancer.

Caregiver Survival Resources: Offers guidance and coping strategies for caregivers managing the ongoing demands of caring for a loved one.

ElderCare: One of the oldest and most comprehensive eldercare gateways on the web, connecting caregivers, families, and professionals to hundreds of resources about health, housing, aging, and financial support.

Family Caregiver Alliance: Provides programs, services, and advocacy for family caregivers, focusing on education and community support.

Get Palliative Care: A patient- and caregiver-focused introduction to palliative care, including guidance on what to expect and how to access services.

National Family Caregivers Association (NFCA): Promotes empowerment and self-care for caregivers, helping them sustain their own well-being while providing care to others.