The palliative approach : a resource for healthcare workers

Front cover; Prelims; Contents; Introduction; Chapter 1 What is palliative care?; Chapter 2 The palliative approach; Chapter 3 Care of the elderly and dementia; Chapter 4 Old age; Chapter 5 Death and dying; Chapter 6 Malignancy; Chapter 7 Organ failure; Chapter 8 Neurodegenerative disorders; Chapter 9 The rise of chronic disease and the 'oldest old'; Chapter 10 Recognising and treating the dying patient; Chapter 11 Medical treatment versus medical care; Chapter 12 The good referral; Chapter 13 Grief and loss; Chapter 14 Caring for the carer; Chapter 15 Difficult discussions; Chapter 16 The angel at the end of the bed. Appendix Case Studies; Index.

This helpful book offers a simple and commonsense introduction to the care of patients in the generalist setting for whom a palliative approach is deemed appropriate. Many of these patients may be living at home or in care homes, and many may be months or even years away from the terminal phase of illness. With the aid of real-life examples and case studies, this text aims to give a wide range of healthcare professionals an understanding of, and competence in, the provision of holistic, supportive care that is focused on comfort and quality of life.