Palliatieve Zorg als ‘heelkunst’

In this article, Kris Vissers elucidates his view on palliative care. The author quotes the new definition on palliative care, formulated by the World Health Organisation, and states that this new definition broadens our view on palliative care. He explains – in accordance with this definition – what ‘good’ palliative care contains. Starting point is the notion that to improve the quality of life of patients who face life-threatening illness, it is necessary to accept the fact that live is finite, so palliative can be offered to the patient at the right time. Extensive knowledge on the course of illness, as well as integrated care, is necessary to determine at what moment palliative care has to be offered. In this respect, palliative care demands education of and cooperation between professionals in their care for a patient.