Abstract

This review article offers a comprehensive exploration of palliative care, an evolving healthcare discipline aimed at enhancing the quality of life for individuals facing life-threatening illnesses. The article delves into the global landscape, revealing a staggering gap between the need and provision of palliative care, particularly in middle-income countries and low-resource settings. Distinct from hospice care, palliative care is discussed as a holistic approach that addresses physical, psychological, social, and spiritual dimensions. The role of healthcare professionals in palliative care is examined, highlighting the existing knowledge gaps and positive attitudes despite disparities. The article emphasizes the importance of dispelling misconceptions surrounding palliative care, with a focus on adults and children, to foster better understanding among healthcare providers and the general public. The core principles of palliative care are outlined, underlining its patient-centered, interdisciplinary, and culturally sensitive nature. Various care settings, from inpatient units to home-based care, are elucidated, along with different types of palliative care spanning primary, secondary, and tertiary levels.

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