What is the main focus of palliative care?

The primary focus of palliative care is to relieve suffering and enhance the quality of life for patients facing serious illnesses. Unlike curative treatments, which aim to eradicate disease, palliative care centers on symptom management, pain relief, and addressing the emotional, psychological, and spiritual needs of the patient and their families. This holistic approach considers the patient's life experience as a whole and strives to support them through their illness, focusing on comfort rather than cure. By prioritizing quality of life, palliative care can provide meaningful support at any stage of a serious illness, whether alongside curative treatments or when curative options are no longer available. This distinguished focus sets it apart from other health care disciplines that aim primarily for healing or research advancements.