Palliative care can be best described by which of the following statements?

Palliative care is best understood as an approach that emphasizes comfort and quality of life for patients facing serious, life-limiting illnesses. This care model prioritizes the patient's experience, addressing not only physical symptoms such as pain but also emotional, social, and spiritual needs. The focus is on improving overall well-being rather than solely extending life or providing curative treatments.

While managing pain is an important aspect of palliative care, the definition extends beyond mere pain management to include comprehensive support for patients and their families. Therefore, a statement that encapsulates the core principles of palliative care must highlight its holistic approach to enhancing comfort and maintaining the best possible quality of life for those in advanced stages of illness. This understanding of palliative care as a philosophy of support distinguishes it from curative approaches or disease-focused management, which may rely solely on medical interventions aimed at curing conditions.