What is the primary goal of palliative care?

The primary goal of palliative care is to provide supportive care for individuals with serious illnesses. This approach emphasizes improving the quality of life by addressing not just physical symptoms but also the emotional, social, and spiritual challenges that come with serious health conditions. The focus is on comfort and support for patients and their families, helping them navigate the complexities of their illness.

In palliative care, the objective is not to extend life at all costs, as that would conflict with the core mission of respecting patient autonomy and quality of life. While symptom management is a crucial component, the aim is not necessarily to completely eliminate symptoms but to make them manageable, allowing the patient to live as fully as possible. Furthermore, palliative care does not focus solely on curative efforts; rather, it can be integrated alongside curative treatments or provided independently when curative options are no longer viable. This holistic and patient-centered approach is what defines the essence of palliative care.