What is defined as specialized medical care focused on providing relief from symptoms?

Palliative care is defined as specialized medical care designed to provide relief from the symptoms and stress of a serious illness. Its primary goal is to improve the quality of life for both the patient and their family, addressing physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. This approach can be provided alongside curative treatments and is suitable for individuals at any stage of a serious illness.

The focus of palliative care is on alleviating symptoms such as pain, nausea, fatigue, and depression, rather than on treating the underlying illness itself. This patient-centered approach emphasizes comfort and support, making it an essential part of managing chronic or life-limiting conditions.

In comparison to other types of care, such as critical care or emergency care, which are focused on immediate, often life-saving interventions, or rehabilitative care, which aims at restoring function and mobility after illness or injury, palliative care uniquely prioritizes symptom management and quality of life enhancement as its central mission.