palliative care
Pronunciation: PAL-ee-ah-tiv
Specialized medical care focused on symptom relief and quality of life improvement.
Full Definition
Palliative care is specialized medical care that focuses on providing relief from symptoms and stress of serious illness, with the goal of improving quality of life for both patient and family. In oncology, palliative care can be provided alongside curative treatments and is not limited to end-of-life care. It addresses physical symptoms such as pain, nausea, and fatigue, as well as emotional, social, and spiritual concerns. Early integration of palliative care has been shown to improve outcomes and quality of life in cancer patients.
Usage
Usage note: Two words. Distinguish from hospice care, which is specifically for end-of-life situations.
In Context
- "Early palliative care consultation improved symptom management significantly." — Quality improvement report
- "Palliative care principles should be integrated throughout the cancer journey." — Practice guideline