ABSTRACT
In 1990 the World Health Organization defined palliative care as “the active total care of patients whose disease is not responsive to curative treatment. Control of pain, of other symptoms, and of psychological, social and spiritual problems, is paramount. The goal of palliative care is achievement of the best quality of life for patients and their families.” Modern palliative care has evolved from terminal care to a more dynamic multidisciplinary approach which tries to address priorities from an individual patient’s perspective. It recognizes that some patients will need palliative care input from diagnosis or soon after. It places emphasis on the need to support the family and carers and to continue that support into bereavement. Above everything is the concept of enabling people to “live well” despite having a fatal diagnosis.
