Seriously Ill People in Good Hands

Medical Center – University of Freiburg’s Palliative Care Unit Successfully Recertified / Quality Criteria of the German Society for Palliative Medicine Confirmed

People with serious illnesses and their families continue to receive excellent palliative care at the Medical Center – University of Freiburg. The palliative care unit at the Department of Palliative Care has successfully passed recertification by the independent ClarCert Institute and thus meets the quality criteria of the German Society for Palliative Medicine. As early as 2017, the Freiburg palliative care unit was among the first in Germany to have its high quality independently verified. 

“For patients, this recognition means, above all, reliability: they can trust that they are in good hands with us. We take their physical symptoms just as seriously as their psychological, social, and spiritual needs. Especially in cases of serious illness, we consistently tailor treatment to the individual’s personal situation and wishes,” says Prof. Dr. Gerhild Becker, Medical Director of the Department of Palliative Care at the Medical Center – University of Freiburg. 

Palliative care is not just end-of-life care

Many people associate a palliative care unit primarily with the final days of life. In fact, patients with incurable, progressive illnesses are treated there when these conditions require particularly intensive care. This includes people with cancer as well as patients with severe neurological, cardiological, or geriatric conditions. Palliative care physicians can provide support well before the final stage of life. Often, the goal is to alleviate pain, shortness of breath, nausea, anxiety, or other distressing symptoms in order to maintain quality of life as much as possible. 

As part of the certification process, independent experts reviewed the medical and nursing care provided, as well as the collaboration among the various professional groups. The psychosocial and spiritual support provided to patients and their families was also factored into the evaluation. 

This intensive care is not limited to the palliative care unit. The so-called Palliative Care Service—a mobile palliative care team composed of professionals from various disciplines—provides consultative care to patients in all inpatient departments of the Medical Center – University of Freiburg.  If care at home is necessary, the SPES Palliative Care Team can also continue providing specialized care beyond the hospital stay. This allows patients to receive support either as inpatients or in their home environment, depending on their needs.

Caption: The palliative care unit at the Department of Palliative Care at the Medical Center – University of Freiburg meets the quality criteria of the German Society for Palliative Medicine, as confirmed by its successful recertification.

Image source: Medical Center – University of Freiburg