Which of the following is not a goal of palliative care?

Palliative care primarily focuses on providing relief from the symptoms and stress associated with serious illnesses, with the overarching goal of improving the quality of life for both the patient and their family. This approach emphasizes enhancing comfort, reducing suffering, and providing emotional support—elements that are fundamental to overall well-being during difficult health challenges.

While it can be a natural desire to extend life expectancy through various treatments, palliative care does not center on prolonging life as its primary objective. Instead, it seeks to ensure that patients experience dignity, comfort, and the best possible quality of life, regardless of the stage of their illness. This distinct focus separates palliative care from curative treatments that aim directly to improve survival. Hence, extending life expectancy is not a goal of palliative care; rather, the focus is on the quality and comfort during the patient’s journey.