What is the primary goal of palliative care as described in the chapter?

The primary goal of palliative care is to improve the quality of life for patients and their families facing life-threatening illnesses by preventing and relieving suffering through early identification and treatment of pain and other physical, psychosocial, and spiritual problems.

Palliative care aims to enhance the quality of life for patients and their families dealing with life-threatening illnesses. This is achieved through the prevention and relief of suffering, which involves early identification and thorough assessment and treatment of pain, along with addressing other physical, psychosocial, and spiritual issues. The approach is interdisciplinary, providing relief from distressing symptoms, affirming life, and integrating psychological and spiritual care. It supports patients in living as actively as possible until death and offers a support system for families during the illness and in bereavement.