At its core, palliative care is specialized medical care focused on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of a serious illness. Its primary goal is to improve the quality of life for both the patient and their family. Unlike hospice, which is specifically for patients nearing the end of life, palliative care can begin at the moment of diagnosis and continue alongside curative treatments. Common conditions supported by these teams include: and advanced malignancies.
Redefining Palliative Care—A New Consensus-Based Definition
Palliative care is inherently multidisciplinary. It recognizes that suffering is not only physical but also psychological, social, and spiritual.