Le futur de la médecine palliative tendu entre Hippocrate et Esculape

Two basis can be found for palliative care: the medical ability to relieve pain and the other symptoms of the palliative patient and the profound humanistic effect that proper accompanying the patient have on himself, on his family and on the caregivers. The origin of these two approaches can be found back in the Greek legacy through the Hippocratic and Esculapian traditions. The future of palliative medicine is linked with the progress in both fields. On one hand, a better understanding of the physiology of the dying is required to continue to improve the quality of medical care: new avenues of research are required; on the other hand, a better understanding of the effect of compassionate care and companionship on the ultimate identitary quest of the patient will help in providing a better context for patients, families and caregivers. The end of the life of a loved one will always be a sad but precious moment where one's humanity is requested into new gestures and accomplishments: a proper environment is required for this, and palliative care is at the service of this goal.