What distinguishes palliative care from curative treatment at RACH?

Palliative care is distinctive in that it is not intended to extend life in the same way that curative treatments are. Its primary goal is to improve the quality of life for patients who may be facing serious illnesses, regardless of the stage of the disease. This approach emphasizes symptom management, comfort, and emotional support rather than aiming to cure the underlying condition.

By focusing on alleviating distressing symptoms and providing holistic care, palliative care can be delivered alongside curative treatments or as the main focus of care for those who are not seeking aggressive interventions. It’s important to note that palliative care can be appropriate at any stage of a serious illness and is not limited to end-of-life situations, which differentiates it from curative approaches that aim to eradicate diseases. This understanding helps clarify the broader role of palliative care in patient-centered treatment strategies.