Optimizing Patient Comfort: Palliative Pain Management for Nurses in Critical Care Settings.

Palliative care has evolved from its religious and historical roots to a specialized medical discipline, emphasizing quality of life for patients with serious illnesses. The foundational work of pioneers in palliative care has shaped modern practices in symptom management, emotional support, and holistic care. Despite challenges in integrating palliative care in critical care settings and overcoming barriers such as limited provider availability, enhancing training and broadening the application of palliative principles remain essential. Palliative care is crucial, not just for end-of-life scenarios, but for managing severe illness at any stage, ensuring compassionate, patient-centered care.