Definition
Palliative care is defined as the active total care of patients whose disease is not responsive to curative treatment. The control of pain, of other symptoms and of psychological, social and spiritual problems is paramount. The goal of palliative care is achievement of the best quality of life for patients and their families.
The point of transition to palliative care is when treatment goals become focussed on improving quality of life. However, the transition does not imply a discontinuation of active care or abandonment from the treating cancer team.
Palliative care may be administered in a community setting, for example, the patient's home or a nursing home, in the palliative care unit of an acute hospital, or a hospice.References
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