What does palliative care focus on?

Palliative care focuses on providing specialized care aimed at relief and enhancing the quality of life for patients with serious illnesses. This approach recognizes the importance of alleviating physical, emotional, and spiritual suffering, rather than merely addressing the medical aspects of a disease. The goal is to support patients and their families through the challenges that come with serious illnesses, helping them to maintain their dignity and comfort.

This holistic view ensures that care is tailored to the individual needs and preferences of the patient. It also involves interdisciplinary teamwork, which may include healthcare professionals from various fields working together to create a comprehensive plan that addresses all aspects of a person's well-being.

While managing medications for terminal illness, curing the underlying illness, and addressing physical symptoms are essential components of healthcare, they do not encompass the full scope of palliative care. Palliative care goes beyond these aspects to ensure a comprehensive quality of life is prioritized, making the selected focus particularly significant in supporting patients through challenging times.