What is the definition of palliative care?

Palliative care is defined as specialized medical care that prioritizes providing relief from symptoms and stress associated with serious illness, emphasizing the improvement of quality of life for both the patient and their family. This type of care is comprehensive and supportive, addressing physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs to ensure that patients receive holistic support throughout their treatment journey.

It is worth noting that while palliative care can be part of care plans for patients with terminal illnesses, it is not limited to this demographic. Additionally, it is distinct from curative care, which focuses on disease eradication, and from emergency care, which is geared toward immediate treatment of acute conditions. Palliative care can be integrated at any stage of illness and can be provided alongside curative treatments, making it a versatile approach to managing serious health challenges.