Problematic versus preferred phrases used in palliative care
| PROBLEMATIC PHRASE | PREFERRED PHRASE |
|---|---|
| “That patient has been deemed palliative” | “The patient has chosen to adopt a palliative approach to her or his care” |
| “Palliative patient” | “Patient with a life-limiting illness who has chosen a palliative approach to her or his care” |
| “Palliative diagnosis” | “Advanced illness,” “incurable illness,” “terminal illness,” or “life-limiting illness” |
| “Doing nothing” | “Abstaining from procedures that are ineffective, burdensome, and futile” |
| “The patient will no longer be receiving treatment” | “The patient will be receiving comfort measures only from this point” |
| “Withdrawal of care” | “Withdrawing ineffective, burdensome, and futile treatments” |