2.1 What is the definition of palliative care?
The word palliative derives from the Latin ‘pallium’, meaning cloak or covering. It is reflected in the Middle Eastern blessing: “May you be wrapped in tenderness, you my brother, as if in a cloak.”
We could use the word ‘cloak’ to symbolise the holistic care we aim for, which encompasses the physical, psychological, social and spiritual aspects of care, and is highlighted in the following definition of palliative care:
“Palliative care is an approach that improves the quality of life of patients (adults and children) and their families who are facing problems associated with life-threatening illness. It prevents and relieves suffering through the early identification, correct assessment and treatment of pain and other problems, whether physical, psychosocial or spiritual.” (World Health Organization, 2020)
The early development of the palliative care ethos was synonymous with cancer care, but as research in palliative care developed it became recognised that people living with life limiting, non-malignant illness had as many complex care needs as those suffering with cancer. The recognised definition of palliative care devised by the World Health Organization (WHO) was therefore revised to incorporate the care of those with life limiting illnesses.
Further reading
The following are palliative care guidelines specific to UK geographical areas:
Actions for End of Life Care 2014-2016 NHS England
End of Life Care resource page NHS England
Ambitions for Palliative and End of Life Care a national framework for local action 2021-2026
Strategic Framework for Action on Palliative and End of Life Care (2015) Scottish Government
Scottish Palliative Care Guidelines NHS Scotland
Palliative care (Wales) NHS Wales
Living Matters, Dying Matters strategy 2010 Department of Health Northern Ireland
National Guidelines for Health and Social Care Professionals The Palliative Hub (Professional) (Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland)
Review of the Implementation of the Palliative and End of Life Care Strategy (March 2010) January 2016 The Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority
UK Government commitment to high quality end of life care UK Government, Department for Health
2 Palliative and end of life care in Parkinson’s