ethics in palliative care

Ethics in palliative care involves making compassionate and respectful decisions that honor a patient's wishes, dignity, and quality of life. It requires balancing things like relieving pain, respecting patient autonomy—the right to choose—and considering ethical principles like beneficence (doing good) and non-maleficence (avoiding harm). This often involves honest communication, shared decision-making, and understanding cultural or personal values. Ultimately, ethical palliative care aims to support patients and their families through difficult choices, ensuring care is compassionate, respectful, and aligned with the individual's beliefs and preferences.