Improving Quality of Life in Terminal Illness by Palliative Care: Global Perspectives, Multidisciplinary Approach, Advances and Future Directions

Abstract

It is an evolutionary form of health care, where care for the whole being comes first. This is aimed at treating the physical symptoms such as pain and dyspnoea but designed to tackle emotional, psychological, social, and spiritual concerns as well. Evidence demonstrates that palliative care improves control of symptoms when started early in treatment, improves patient and family satisfaction, and assists in tailoring medical interventions to a patient's values and preferences. But beyond clinical outcomes, there is great support to families for counselling, bereavement assistance, and strategies to manage the emotional burden of caregiving. Cultural misconceptions and geographic disparities and lack of access to trained professionals are other barriers to the widespread practice of palliative care. Innovations in telemedicine and wearable health monitoring and a community-led approach are some of the things changing the face of delivery, making care more inclusive and accessible. This paper engages with the principles and practice of palliative care; its impact on quality of life; and its critical role in promoting dignity, autonomy, and comfort at the end. Systemic challenges can be addressed by emerging technologies, leading to palliative care being universally established as an integral part of compassionate and equitable health care systems.