Forum.
1. Introduction
Although it might seem unnecessary to define words we use so often, it does help to ensure we are all talking about the same thing. Morita and colleagues have carefully outlined the difficulties that arise from the inconsistencies in the definition of sedation and make a plea for its clarification.1“Aim” refers to an intent or a plan to do something or achieve something.
“Sedation” is the use of a sedative or tranquillizing drug to induce a state of calm, restfulness or drowsiness.
“Palliate” (i) to alleviate a symptom without curing the underlying medical condition (ii) to reduce the intensity or severity of something (iii) to make an offence seem less serious by providing excuses or mitigating evidence [15C. Latin palliat- past participle of palliare ‘cover or hide’]
“Care” to look after or supervise somebody or something, to provide whatever is needed for somebody’s well-being, caution to avoid damage or loss2
The aim of sedation is, like everything else in palliative care, the relief of symptoms and not the shortening of life3. ‘Let us take, therefore, this opportunity to clearly and firmly state that the goal of palliative sedation is the relief of suffering via the titration of medications to the cessation of symptoms – not the cessation of life.’4
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