What is the primary focus of palliative care?

The primary focus of palliative care is to relieve or reduce uncomfortable symptoms. This type of care is designed to improve the quality of life for patients facing serious illnesses by managing pain and other distressing symptoms, regardless of the stage of the disease or the need for other therapies. Palliative care emphasizes holistic support, addressing physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs, ultimately aiming to enhance comfort and ensure patients have the best possible experience during their illness.

In contrast to attempts to completely cure a disease, which is not the objective of palliative care, the emphasis is on symptom management. Additionally, while rehabilitation may be important in the context of recovery from certain conditions, palliative care does not prioritize long-term rehabilitation as its primary goal. Finally, palliative care does not focus on the process of diagnosing severe illnesses, but rather on providing care and support once a diagnosis has been made, ensuring comprehensive treatment that aligns with the patient’s personal values and preferences.