What is the primary goal of palliative care teams?

The primary goal of palliative care teams is to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life. Palliative care focuses on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of serious illnesses, regardless of the diagnosis or stage of disease. It aims to enhance the comfort and overall well-being of patients by managing pain and other distressing symptoms, which can be physical, emotional, or spiritual in nature. This approach allows patients to maintain a level of dignity and quality in their lives, even when dealing with severe health challenges.

In contrast, providing curative treatments for chronic diseases would not align with the intent of palliative care, as the focus is on comfort rather than trying to cure the disease. Replacing the primary care doctor is also not a role of palliative care teams; they often work alongside primary care providers to offer specialized care that complements existing treatment plans. Additionally, conducting extensive medical research is outside the scope of palliative care teams, which prioritize direct patient care and support rather than experimental or investigative pursuits.