Palliative care is a specialized area of healthcare focused on providing relief from the symptoms, pain, and stress of serious illness, regardless of the diagnosis. The goal is to improve the quality of life for both the patient and their family. Here are some key aspects:

1. Patient-Centered Care: Palliative care addresses the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs of patients.
2. Symptom Management: It aims to alleviate symptoms such as pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, constipation, nausea, loss of appetite, and difficulty sleeping.
3. Communication and Coordination: It involves detailed communication about treatment options, goals of care, and coordination among healthcare providers.
4. Support for Families: Palliative care also provides support for families, helping them cope with the stresses of caregiving and making important healthcare decisions.
5. Interdisciplinary Team: The care team typically includes doctors, nurses, social workers, and other specialists who work together to provide comprehensive care.

Palliative care can be provided alongside curative treatment and is appropriate at any age and at any stage of a serious illness. It can be delivered in various settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, long-term care facilities, and at home.