62^nd World Nursing Conference

Palliative and End-of-Life Care

• Palliative and end-of-life care focus on providing comfort and support to patients with serious, life-limiting illnesses and their families. Unlike curative treatments, which aim to eradicate disease, palliative care prioritizes quality of life, alleviating symptoms, and addressing emotional, spiritual, and psychological needs.
• It can be integrated alongside curative treatments or offered as the primary approach when curative options are exhausted.This type of care involves a multidisciplinary team, including physicians, nurses, social workers, and chaplains, who work collaboratively to create individualized care plans that respect the patient’s wishes and values. Effective communication is essential, ensuring patients and families understand their options and can make informed decisions about their care.
• End-of-life care specifically addresses the final stages of life, focusing on comfort measures, pain management, and emotional support for both patients and their loved ones. Advanced care planning is encouraged, allowing patients to express their preferences regarding treatment and interventions.