What aspect of care does palliative care prioritize?

Palliative care prioritizes the quality of life for patients facing serious illnesses. The primary goal is to alleviate symptoms, manage pain, and provide psychological, social, and spiritual support, regardless of the stage of the disease or the need for other therapies. This holistic approach considers the patient’s individual needs and preferences, aiming to enhance their well-being and dignity throughout the course of the illness.

In contrast, the focus on curing all illnesses is not aligned with the objectives of palliative care, as this type of care accepts the reality of the disease rather than attempting to eradicate it. The aspect of reducing medical interventions, while sometimes a component of palliative care, is not the main focus; rather, the emphasis is on providing appropriate interventions that enhance comfort and quality of life. Additionally, maximizing treatment intensity is contrary to the essence of palliative care, which seeks to balance treatment with patient comfort rather than intensifying medical efforts that may not contribute to the patient's quality of life. Thus, the foundation of palliative care rests firmly on improving the overall experience of patients rather than solely targeting disease eradication or aggressive treatment measures.