What is the primary focus of palliative care?

The primary focus of palliative care is to improve the quality of life for patients who are facing serious illnesses, regardless of the stage of the disease. This holistic approach addresses a wide range of issues including physical symptoms, emotional support, spiritual needs, and social factors, aiming to alleviate suffering and enhance overall well-being.

Palliative care can be provided alongside curative treatments or as the main focus of care when curative treatment is no longer effective or desired. It recognizes the patient's overall experience and encourages a collaborative approach involving healthcare providers, patients, and their families. This is why the emphasis on improving quality of life encompasses anyone with a serious illness, making it a crucial component of comprehensive healthcare.

In contrast, other options such as preventing disease progression, providing curative treatment, or assisting with terminal care exclusively do not reflect the broader focus of palliative care, which is meant to support individuals at any phase of their illness.