Palliative care
1. OVERVIEW
"We are all born to die. But must people die in misery?"
Palliative care is a specialized field of medicine dedicated to improving the Quality
of Life (QoL) for individuals facing serious, chronic, or life-limiting illnesses. The word
palliative originates from the Latin term palliare, meaning "to cloak"—reflecting its
purpose of relieving symptoms and suffering rather than curing disease. Initially
developed within hospice care settings, often provided by religious institutions, palliative
care has become an integral part of modern healthcare.
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines palliative care as a holistic
approach aimed at alleviating suffering and enhancing the well-being of patients and their
families dealing with life-threatening conditions. 1 It addresses the physical,
psychological, social, and spiritual dimensions of care, ensuring dignity and comfort
throughout a patient’s journey. As medical advancements have extended life expectancy,
the burden of chronic illnesses such as cancer, Cardiovascular Diseases (CVD’s),
respiratory conditions, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders has increased. Unlike
acute illnesses, these conditions require long-term management, making palliative care an
essential component of comprehensive healthcare.2
An estimated 56.8 million people, including 25.7 million in their last year of life,
need palliative care each year, but only about 14% currently receive it. 3 Despite this gap,
palliative care has proven to significantly improve the well-being of patients and their
families, ensuring physical, emotional, social, and spiritual support.
Pain and difficulty in breathing are two of the most frequent and serious symptoms
experienced by patients in need of palliative care. For example, 80% of patients with
Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) or cancer, and 67% of patients with
cardiovascular disease or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) will
experience moderate to severe pain at the end of their lives. Opioids are essential for
managing pain.4
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Palliative care
Palliative care is inherently interdisciplinary, requiring collaboration among a
diverse team of healthcare professionals. Physicians, nurses, social workers,
psychologists, physiotherapists, dietitians, pharmacists, paramedics, and volunteers all
play equally vital roles in delivering holistic patient-centered care. This team-based
approach is essential for addressing the complex needs of patients, including pain
management, fatigue, dyspnoea, and emotional distress.4
Moreover, advancements in communication strategies have allowed healthcare
providers to adopt more empathetic, patient-centered approaches. 5 As the complexity of
diseases increases and populations continue to age personalized and adaptive palliative
care models have become more necessary than ever.6
In modern health care, Palliative care ensures that patients with chronic and
terminal illnesses receive compassionate, holistic care that prioritizes comfort and
dignity.7 By integrating symptom management, psychosocial support, and ethical
considerations, palliative care not only alleviates suffering but also enhances the overall
QoL for patients and their families. 8 Strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration and
expanding access to palliative care services globally is crucial in bridging the current care
gap and fulfilling the fundamental right to a dignified and peaceful end of life. 9
Key Features of Palliative Care 10
1. Patient-Centered Approach – Goals and care plans focus on the patient’s
individual needs rather than the disease itself.
2. Relief Over Longevity – The primary aim is to alleviate suffering rather than
prolong life.
3. Collaborative Decision-Making – Patients and caregivers actively participate in
setting care goals.
4. Multidisciplinary Care – A specialized palliative care team consisting of various
healthcare professionals provides comprehensive support.
5. Structured Training – All healthcare providers should receive formal training in
palliative care rather than learning through experience alone.
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Palliative care
6. Broad Applicability – Palliative care is suitable for all patients with advanced,
progressive diseases, not just those with cancer.
7. Ethical Neutrality – It does not hasten or delay death but ensures comfort and
dignity in the final stages of life.