The Provision of Palliative Care for Noncancer Patients With Advanced Disease: Equity Does Matter

Am J Hosp Palliat Care. 2019 Oct;36(10):932-933. doi: 10.1177/1049909119835225. Epub 2019 Mar 5.

Abstract

According to the World Health Organization, the main mission of palliative care is to optimize the quality of life of patients with serious chronic disease, as well as their caregivers, by providing biopsychosociospiritual care. However, historically, the primary focus of palliative care is on providing care only for cancer diseases. Based on the current literature, it is assumed that palliative care is not provided for many chronic diseases on a regular basis and in many cases, a clinical guideline does not exist for providing palliative care.

Keywords: biopsychosociospiritual care; chronic disease; end of life care; hospice care; palliative care; symptom management.

MeSH terms

  • Chronic Disease / psychology
  • Chronic Disease / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Palliative Care / organization & administration*
  • Quality of Life
  • Terminal Care / organization & administration*
  • World Health Organization