1. terminal care that focuses on symptom control and comfort instead of aggressive, cure-oriented intervention. This is the basis of the hospice approach pioneered by British nurse, social worker, and physician Cicely Saunders (1918–2005). Emphasis is on careful assessment of the dying patient’s condition throughout the end phase of life in order to provide the most effective preventive treatment (e.g., medications) to relieve pain and manage other symptoms (e.g., respiratory distress, nausea, anxiety).

2. care intended to relieve suffering and distress in patients at any stage of a serious illness, regardless of its prognosis.