What is the purpose of hospice care?

Hospice care is specifically designed for patients who are facing terminal illnesses and have a limited prognosis, typically six months or less to live. The primary focus of hospice care is on providing comfort and quality of life rather than curative treatments. This means that the care provided is centered on pain management, symptom control, and emotional and spiritual support for both the patient and their families.

Unlike curative treatments, which aim to eliminate or control the disease, hospice care recognizes that the goal is to make the patient as comfortable as possible during their remaining time. It provides a holistic approach that considers the physical, emotional, and psychological needs of the patient. This tailored approach allows patients to spend their final days in dignity and peace, surrounded by loved ones, rather than undergoing potentially distressing medical interventions that may not be effective.

The other options do not align with the core purpose of hospice care. Curative treatment options focus on fighting the illness, which is not the aim of hospice. Conducting clinical research is generally outside the scope of hospice services, which prioritize patient care over research activities. Managing advanced medical technology is also not a central feature of hospice, as the emphasis is on comfort rather than complex medical interventions.