The Impact of Palliative Care: Present and Future

Abstract

Palliative care is a concept of care with philosophical basis comprising people who work in the field. It exists in relation to a system that stands more or less ready to receive it. The influence of palliative care on the present health care scene is significant. It is reflected in popular thought and literature, current trends in health care, health care literature, new approaches to pain and symptom control, and health sciences education. The factors that will affect the future impact of palliative care are variables related to its definition, the providers themselves, and the system in which it is established. Critical evaluation of the outcome for patients, families, and the system, although difficult in such a field, is essential to defining present activities and future directions.