By Respect Life Ministry
Special to the Herald
On Oct. 17, the Respect Life Ministry hosted a panel discussion on palliative care at St. Stephen Church in Nuuanu. Four dedicated professionals generously shared their knowledge, experiences and compassionate approach to caring for others.
Palliative care is an interdisciplinary approach designed to prevent and relieve physical, emotional, social and spiritual suffering, with the goal of improving quality of life for patients, their families and caregivers. The palliative care team works with the patient’s medical team to provide compassionate, holistic care.
Both teams recognize that caring for a patient means more than treating an illness. It means caring for the whole person — body, mind and spirit — while preserving their inherent human dignity and helping them experience the best possible quality of life.
The panelists were Dr. Priya Gyani, palliative medicine physician at Kapiolani Medical Center for Women and Children; Utufa’asili “Utu” McDermott, palliative care chaplain at Kapiolani Medical Center; Andrew Angeles, social worker with the Department of Veterans Affairs; and Deacon Raul Perez, training supervisor for chaplaincy for the Diocese of Honolulu’s deacon formation program and deacon at St. Jude Church in Kapolei.
Although the audience was small, the gathering created an intimate and welcoming atmosphere that encouraged meaningful conversation, thoughtful questions and personal reflection.
Two important themes emerged throughout the discussion: the importance of truly listening to patients and the need to approach every person and family with compassion, sensitivity and respect.
Each panelist emphasized the value of asking simple yet powerful questions, such as, “How is your day today?” or “What would you consider the best quality of life for yourself at this moment?” These questions remind us that every patient has a unique story, personal wishes, fears, hopes and values that deserve to be heard and respected.
Caring for whole person
Gyani explained how the palliative care team works alongside the patient’s medical team to provide comprehensive and compassionate care. Medical professionals can sometimes become so focused on treating a patient’s illness that the patient’s emotional and spiritual well-being may receive less attention.
The palliative care team bridges this gap by addressing these important needs while supporting patients and families through difficult decisions and challenges.
Angeles encouraged everyone in the audience to reflect deeply on an important question: “What does quality of life mean to me, and what kind of quality of life do I want?”
He emphasized the importance of having open and honest conversations with family members about personal wishes, values and healthcare preferences, especially when facing a serious illness or approaching the end of life.
The more loved ones understand what matters most, the better prepared they will be to honor a patient’s wishes and make informed decisions on the patient’s behalf when necessary.
This understanding also helps the medical and palliative care teams provide individualized, compassionate care, and connect patients and families with the appropriate resources and support services.
Deacon Perez emphasized the importance of approaching patients and their families pastorally, with compassion, mindfulness and sensitivity.
He reminded us that everything we say, do and communicate through our actions should reflect genuine care and respect for the dignity of the human person.
His message reinforced the importance of being fully present to those who are suffering. Sometimes the greatest gift we can offer another person is simply to listen, to sit quietly beside them or to assure them that they are not alone.
Both chaplains shared that their ministry also includes the healthcare professionals and staff who serve in hospitals, nursing homes and other care facilities.
McDermott described a practice she calls the “blessing of the hands,” which she offers to staff members who may need spiritual encouragement and strength throughout their day.
This simple yet meaningful gesture reminds us that these hands are instruments of healing, comfort, compassion and dignity for those who are suffering. It also acknowledges the emotional and spiritual burdens that healthcare professionals carry as they care for others.
Honoring human dignity
From a Catholic perspective, every human person is created in the image and likeness of God and possesses an inherent dignity that remains throughout every stage of life, regardless of age, illness, disability or dependence on others.
When patients are surrounded by the love and support of family, friends, church members and a caring community, they are more likely to experience a sense of belonging, comfort, hope and purpose, even during times of suffering.
These meaningful relationships can help reduce feelings of loneliness, hopelessness and isolation, which may contribute to depression or thoughts of assisted suicide.
As Catholics, we are called to accompany those who are suffering, offering compassionate care rather than abandonment, comfort rather than isolation, and hope in moments of uncertainty.
Palliative care reflects this calling by affirming that every life is worthy of love, respect and compassionate care until natural death.
Important decisions
The discussion also included the importance of understanding healthcare planning documents, including an advanced healthcare directive; healthcare power of attorney; and provider orders for life-sustaining treatment.
Understanding these documents and discussing patients’ wishes with loved ones can help ensure that healthcare decisions reflect their values, beliefs and personal preferences.
But the gathering was more than an educational presentation. It was a beautiful reminder that compassionate healthcare begins with listening, understanding, respecting and accompanying one another through life’s most difficult moments.
Each panelist, through their work and personal commitment to serving others, reflected the face of Christ through their compassion, kindness and respect for human dignity.
Patients and families interested in receiving palliative care can speak with their primary care physician or treating specialist about obtaining a referral.