Spirituality and Palliative Care

publication

Author Information

Author(s): Bert Broeckaert

Primary Institution: Interdisciplinary Centre for the Study of Religion and Worldview, K.U. Leuven, Leuven, Belgium

What does it mean to treat patients as whole persons in palliative care?

Palliative care should address the whole person, including their existential and spiritual needs, rather than just their physical symptoms.

Palliative care developed as a response to the limitations of traditional western medicine in addressing human suffering at the end of life.
Patients often experience existential suffering that is as significant as physical pain.
Spirituality is increasingly recognized as an important aspect of quality of life for terminally ill patients.

When someone is very sick, it's important to think about their feelings and beliefs, not just their body. Palliative care helps with that.

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