What is meant by meaning-centered care, and how does it apply to practice?

• A. Focus exclusively on symptom relief.
• B. Meaning-centered care is care that helps patients find meaning and purpose during illness; involves dialogue about values, goals, and sources of hope; supports wellbeing.
• C. Replace medical treatment with spiritual care.
• D. Avoid discussion of values.

Answer: (B)

Meaning-centered care focuses on helping patients discover meaning and purpose in the face of illness. In practice, this means inviting thoughtful conversations about values, goals, sources of hope, and what gives life significance, and then guiding care plans and daily care around what matters most to the person. It complements medical treatment rather than replacing it, addressing existential distress and supporting overall wellbeing by aligning care with the individual’s priorities. This approach is common in palliative and chronic illness care and often involves dialogue with the care team, goal setting, and, when appropriate, spiritual or existential support, without pushing a particular belief. By emphasizing meaning, patients can cope better, feel more aligned with their care, and maintain a sense of purpose even while managing illness.