What is palliative care primarily focused on?

Palliative care is primarily focused on providing relief from the symptoms, pain, and stress associated with serious illnesses, regardless of the stage of the disease or the need for other therapies. While end-of-life care is a significant component of palliative care, its scope extends beyond only caring for patients who are nearing death. Palliative care aims to enhance the quality of life for both the patient and their family. It emphasizes comfort and support, rather than curative treatments, and can be administered alongside curative or life-prolonging treatments.

This holistic approach addresses physical, emotional, spiritual, and social aspects of patient care, ensuring that the needs and preferences of the patient are prioritized. Palliative care can be introduced early in the course of an illness and is appropriate at any age and at any stage of a serious illness, making its primary focus much broader than just end-of-life scenarios.