[Outpatient palliative care for non-oncological diseases].

Abstract

The primary function of outpatient palliative care is to empower patients with life-threatening illnesses to optimize their quality of life by maximising their independence in their own home environment. In addition to addressing oncological diseases, the attention for palliative care towards non-oncological diseases is growing, a trend that is especially relevant for outpatient care. The early identification of the need for palliative care is of critical importance, as is the provision of effective palliative care within appropriate structures.