Publisher's Synopsis
Only a fraction of patients with advanced cancer are cared for in a hospice–most are managed by their GP or hospital doctor. Yet it is only recently that palliative care has been recognised and taught as a separate speciality. This ABC pulls together all the information on this complex, multidisciplinary area in a practical, user friendly format. Common medical problems and pain relief are covered, and there is clear guidance on normal and higher drug dosages. The important social and psychological aspects of palliative care are also dealt with in full, including quality of life, communicating with a dying patient and their family and dealing with grief. Written by both specialists and primary care workers, chapters include: Pain control Depression, anxiety and confusion Emergencies The last 48 hours Children Community care Bereavement This pratical highly illustrated intorducion to palliative care will prove essential to GPs, hospital doctors, senior and specialist nurses and all those involved in the care of patients with cancer.
