What does patient- and family-centered care in palliative care aim to optimize?

Patient- and family-centered care in palliative care is fundamentally focused on optimizing the quality of life for both patients and their families. This approach recognizes that quality of life encompasses not just the absence of disease or suffering but also includes considerations of emotional, social, and spiritual well-being.

In the context of palliative care, quality of life can be enhanced by addressing the specific needs, preferences, and values of the patient and their family, thus fostering a supportive environment that allows for open communication, shared decision-making, and holistic care. While other aspects such as patient adherence, healthcare costs, and the timing of end-of-life can play roles in the overall healthcare experience, they are not the primary focus of palliative care. Instead, the goal of palliative care is to ensure that patients live as fully and comfortably as possible, emphasizing their quality of life during serious illness or at the end of life.