Public unaware of what palliative care entails

Palliative care is not necessarily end-of-life care and may in fact last for a number of years, but more than a third of us do not realise this, a survey has found.

Moreover, while pain management is an important part of palliative care, it also extends to looking after the patient’s psychological, social and spiritual needs as well as continuing to support families after a loved one has passed away.

The survey, the results of which are published today to coincide with the launch of Palliative Care Week, show many are confused about what this form of care actually entails.