palliation

Palliation is the relief of pain, symptoms, and distress in people with serious illness, without necessarily curing the underlying disease. The term derives from Latin palliare, meaning to cloak or cover, and entered medical usage through French. In modern medicine, palliation is delivered through palliative care, a specialty focusing on reducing suffering and improving quality of life for patients and families. Palliation can accompany disease-modifying treatment or be the primary focus when cure is not possible.

Key components include symptom management (pain, breathlessness, nausea, fatigue), psychosocial support, spiritual care, and support for families. It involves advance care planning, goals of care discussions, and coordination by a multidisciplinary team of clinicians, nurses, social workers, and chaplains.

Palliative care is distinct from hospice care, though closely related. Hospice represents care aimed primarily at comfort for patients with terminal prognosis, usually with enrollment within months of death. Palliative care, by contrast, can be provided at any stage of illness and alongside curative or life-prolonging treatments, in hospitals, clinics, home, or long-term care settings.

The overarching aim is to align treatment with patient values, limit suffering, and support families, while respecting autonomy and cultural beliefs. Evidence indicates palliative approaches can improve quality of life and, in some settings, reduce hospitalizations and invasive interventions.