Do definitions matter in palliative care?

摘要

Wittgenstein (1953) argues that the meaning of a word is in its use in the language. Definitions state and explain something, providing a starting point for discussion and agreement. The inconsistency in palliative care definitions contributes to confusion in describing the service population, provision, access points, evaluation, user understanding and challenges in research. Clark (2015) reminds us that 'despite a shared history, the goals, culture and methods of hospice and palliative care can differ significantly'. Terminology and definitions matter because clarity at an academic and policy level (Gott et al, 2012) and shared or agreed understandings of care structures, interventions and goals help organise and evaluate policy, experience, clinical and research practice.