Palliative care: the integration of modern science and the ancient spiritualism

Abstract

Dear Sir,

In this era of rapid changes in epidemiological trends among populations brought on by the advent of newer technologies having their telling impact on the life styles of people at large, it is of significance to note the changes in disease trends. There is an increasing trend in the number of malignancies being detected. In this context the concept of “palliative care” assumes great relevance. It is not just the patient who goes through the psychological strain of facing the possibility of impending mortality and morbidity but also the family which is with the patient in the whole process. The states of varying degrees of spiritual and existential distress are unavoidable in such cases and need to be studied and addressed on a case to case basis.