Palliative Care

The Keck Medical Center and the Department of Medicine have collaborated to provide the Palliative Medicine and Supportive Care Consult Service at the Keck and USC Norris Cancer Hospitals. Inpatient physician consults are available by USC faculty members along with their medical team consisting of a nurse practitioner, clinical social worker, and spiritual leaders. The program also provides outpatient consultation along with the inpatient services.

Palliative care teams treat patients who suffer from physical symptoms and the psychosocial stresses of serious illness – whatever the diagnosis and at any stage of treatment. In collaboration with the primary health care team, a palliative/supportive care team can help patients and their families navigate the complex decisions that come with their illness and make timely, informed decisions about their care.