Palliative care

What it means

Palliative care treats pain, breathlessness, nausea, fatigue and the strain of being ill. It can run alongside treatment intended to cure.

It is not tied to a prognosis and does not require anyone to stop treatment.

Why it matters

It is widely assumed to mean end-of-life care, and that misunderstanding causes people to refuse help they could have had for years.

Asking for it early is normal and does not close any door.

When you are likely to meet it

• At diagnosis of a serious illness, and at any point afterwards.
• When symptoms are affecting quality of life more than the disease itself is.

Related terms

• Advance directiveA document recording your medical wishes, and naming who should speak for you if you cannot.
• Do-not-resuscitate orderA medical order saying that if the heart or breathing stops, no attempt at resuscitation should be made.
• HospiceCare that focuses on comfort rather than cure, for someone expected to live six months or less.
• Hospice vs palliative carePalliative care can start at any time and alongside treatment. Hospice starts when the goal is comfort rather than cure.
• POLSTA medical order form covering more than resuscitation, signed by a clinician, meant to travel with the patient between home, hospital and care facility.
• Serious health conditionThe federal family leave law's definition of the illness that entitles an eligible employee to take protected leave.

Sahvelo guidance that uses this

• Caregiving and coordination