JARGON BUSTER

SCIENTIFIC terms decoded. This week: Palliative THE term palliative originates from the Latin palliativus, meaning ‘under cloak’ or ‘covert’. It is a form of specialised care for patients who have serious illnesses such as cancer, with the aim of providing comfort and relief.

The goal is also to help the family or carers of the patient and to offer a holistic approach to their care, including spiritual and psychological matters.

Palliative care is sometimes confused with end-of-life care — however, patients who are receiving palliative care don’t necessarily have a terminal illness.

Palliative care should ideally begin as soon as diagnosis of a serious illness is given. There is an emphasis on emotional, as well as physical, care, with psychological support and bereavement counselling also available.