Palliation

Definition

Palliation (palliative care) is specialized medical care aimed at providing relief from symptoms, pain, and stress of serious illness. Unlike hospice, palliative care can be delivered at any stage of illness and alongside curative treatment.

Core Components

• Pain and symptom management
• Psychosocial and spiritual support
• Advance care planning
• Coordination of care
• Family support and bereavement

Palliative vs Hospice

Palliative: any stage, any age, can combine with curative treatment. Hospice: terminal illness (less than 6 months), forgoes curative treatment.

Nursing Interventions

Holistic assessment of physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs. Pain management per WHO ladder. Symptom-specific treatment (dyspnea, nausea, delirium, anxiety). Communicate with family. Facilitate goal-concordant care.

NCLEX Relevance

Quality of life focus. Palliative care can coexist with curative treatment.