Palliative care or supportive care?

Palliative care is the active holistic (physical, psychological, social and spiritual) care of people who experience health-related suffering due to severe illness and those close to them, aiming to improve their quality of life. There are three levels of palliative care: palliative care approach, generalist palliative care, and specialist palliative care. Traditionally associated with end-of-life care, this article highlights the evolution of specialist palliative care, now deemed to be applicable throughout the course of an illness. Terminologies surrounding 'palliative care' are also considered, especially the notable nomenclature debate between 'palliative care' and 'supportive care'. Specialist palliative care has evolved somewhat over time, and will need to continue to evolve to maintain its relevance.