This chapter will focus on the original philosophy of palliative care as developed by Dame Cicely Saunders. Attention will be paid to the development of palliative care and the challenges to remain close to the original vision as practice develops further within a traditional medical environment. The overall purpose and focus of the chapter are for the reader to engage with the inherent holistic and person-centered approach of palliative and end-of-life care as developed by Cicely Saunders and to gain an understanding and insight into how to maintain her vision as an essential element of care within modern palliative and end-of-life care.
