What is the main goal of palliative care?

The main goal of palliative care is to provide relief from pain and other symptoms of serious illness without curative intent, aiming to improve the quality of life for both the patient and their family. Palliative care addresses physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs, offering comprehensive support throughout the course of an illness.

Unlike curative treatments, which focus solely on eradicating disease, palliative care recognizes that patients suffering from serious conditions can benefit from management of symptoms such as pain, nausea, and anxiety, regardless of the stage of the illness. The approach is holistic, prioritizing comfort and dignity rather than solely pursuing aggressive treatments that might not result in significant improvements in quality of life. This patient-centered focus makes palliative care an essential component of comprehensive health care, especially for those facing life-limiting conditions.