Review article

The role of palliative care in a dignified end of life

Matija Rimac orcid.org/0009-0007-1832-4854 ; Special Hospital for Psychiatry and Palliative Care "St Raphael", Strmac, Croatia *
Matea Vukić ; Sisters of Charity University Hospital, Zagreb, Croatia

* Corresponding author.

Abstract

Palliative care represents an active and comprehensive approach to patients with advanced and incurable illness, focused on improving quality of life and ensuring a dignified end of life. It does not imply giving up on treatment, but rather providing holistic support through symptom relief, clear and compassionate communication, and offering comprehensive support to the patient and their family through physical, psychological, social, and spiritual dimensions. Historically rooted in the hospice movement, palliative care has developed into a medical discipline. Its ethical ideal, described by the concept of a "good death", implies a peaceful and dignified end of life in accordance with the values and wishes of the patient. As such, palliative care remains a fundamental expression of humanity and compassion in the face of the inevitable reality of death.

Keywords

holistic approach; palliative care; terminal illness

Hrčak ID:

337311

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/337311

Publication date:

30.10.2025.

Article data in other languages: croatian

Visits: 804 *