Stoðmeðferðir

Stoðmeðferðir is an Icelandic term that translates to "supportive treatments" or "adjunctive therapies" in English. It refers to medical interventions that are used alongside primary treatments to improve a patient's overall well-being, manage symptoms, and enhance the effectiveness of the main therapy. These treatments are not intended to cure the underlying condition but rather to alleviate its impact on the patient's quality of life.

The specific nature of stoðmeðferðir can vary greatly depending on the illness or condition being treated. For example, in cancer care, stoðmeðferðir might include pain management, nutritional support, physiotherapy, psychological counseling, and anti-nausea medications. In the context of chronic diseases, such as diabetes or heart disease, supportive treatments could encompass lifestyle modifications, education programs, and therapies aimed at managing secondary complications.

The goal of stoðmeðferðir is to address the multifaceted needs of a patient, recognizing that illness often affects not just the body but also the mind and social functioning. By providing a holistic approach to care, these treatments aim to reduce suffering, prevent further deterioration, and empower patients to cope more effectively with their health challenges. They are an integral part of modern medical practice, complementing curative or disease-modifying treatments.