JOURNAL OF PALLIATIVE MEDICINE Volume 1, Number 4,1998

There is growing recognition of the reciprocity of suffering by patients and families experi-encing terminal illness and the need to improve the quality of their lives as the patient's ill-ness progresses. Research is presented that addresses the importance of a dyadic perspective in recognizing patients ' and families ' stress and adjustment and the related physical, emo-tional, social, spiritual and financial needs at the end-of-life. These aspects of quality of life are specifically addressed by palliative care. The philosophy and goals of palliative care are described, as is its role in promoting the best possible quality of life for patients and their families experiencing terminal illness. This article addresses the importance of assessing the dynamics of the family caregiving system and potential palliative care interventions to en-hance the quality of life of family caregivers. Implications for research are also discussed. APERSON'S FAMILY is often the primary source responsibility of being direct care providers,of physical and emotional support in times However, most family members are unpre-of distress. At no time is there any greater stress pared to deal with the physical and emotional than when a person is diagnosed with a termi- needs of their loved ones and the intense de-nal illness, which engenders myriad complex mands inherent to the caregiver role. Suffering