Search

The WHO definition of palliative care states: “Palliative care is the active total care applicable from the time of diagnosis, aimed at improving the quality of life of patients and their families facing serious life-limiting illness, through the prevention and relief of suffering by means of early identification and impeccable assessment and treatment of pain and other physical symptoms, as well as psychological, social and spiritual distress”. Appropriately, the Indian Association of Palliative Care has adapted the WHO statement, by adding “through socially acceptable and affordable interventions”.

Managing pain is about far more than the administration of analgesics. Gilly Burn explains the importance of a holistic approach.