How does the palliative care approach differ from curative care?

Palliative care is distinct in that it is centered on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of a serious illness, with a primary goal of improving the quality of life for both the patient and their family. This approach emphasizes comfort and support, rather than attempting to cure the underlying disease. By focusing on the overall well-being of the patient, palliative care can be integrated at any stage of a serious illness and can be provided alongside curative treatments, if desired.

This concept allows patients to experience a better quality of life, as palliative care practitioners are trained to manage physical symptoms, such as pain and nausea, as well as address psychological, social, and spiritual needs. Therefore, the essence of palliative care is its holistic focus, prioritizing the patient's comfort and quality of life over solely aiming for disease eradication.