Preamble Position Statement IAHPC Consensus-Based Definition of Palliative Care

Adopting the International Association for Hospice and Palliative Care (IAHPC) consensus-based definition of palliative care, developed in 2018 in consultation with over 400 IAHPC members from 88 countries, the CHPCA strongly advocates for universal access to high quality hospice palliative care to address the health-related suffering experienced by patients with severe or life-limiting illnesses. [...] IAHPC Consensus-Based Definition of Palliative Care Palliative care is the active holistic care of individuals across all ages with serious health-related suffering1 due to severe illness2, and especially of those near the end of life. [...] • Provides support to the family and the caregivers during the patient’s illness, and in their own bereavement. [...] • Is delivered recognizing and respecting the cultural values and beliefs of the patient and the family. [...] CHPCA adopts the internationally recognized IAHPC consensus-based definition of palliative care that states that hospice palliative care strives to reduce suffering and improve quality of life, and not to hasten or postpone the natural dying process.