Definitions, approaches and concepts of Palliative Care today usually contain the following elements:

1. It is support for terminally ill patients, their families and friends.
2. It is focused on quality of life and quality of dying and death.
3. This is through the prevention and alleviation of suffering.
4. Suffering includes biopsychosocial cultural and spiritual suffering.
5. Early identification, assessment and appropriate management is the key.
6. Through the effective use of coordinated, multidisciplinary teams.
7. Delivered in the environment of the person’s choice where possible.

For more articles on Palliative Care definitions, its development over time and a current perspective on the essence of Palliative Care, go to Introductory Article Resources click here.