A handbook for acupuncturists and healthcare practitioners on the use of acupuncture for end-of-life care. The book covers the major hospice and palliative care diagnoses from a Chinese medicine perspective, as well as grief and loss, and includes the roots of Chinese historical perspectives on death and dying. The acupuncturist is introduced to the working medical model of hospice care and the interdisciplinary team approach and provided with evidence-based strategies for the use the acupuncture in symptom management.

The Oxford American Handbook of Hospice and Palliative Medicine and Supportive Care is an easily-navigable source of information about the day-to-day management of patients requiring palliative and hospice care. The table of contents follows the core curriculum of the American Board of Hospice and Palliative Medicine, thus meeting the educational and clinical information needs of students, residents, fellows, and nurse practitioners. Succinct, evidence-based, topically-focused content is supplemented by extensive tables, algorithms, and clinical pearls. This edition includes new sections on grief and bereavement, medical marijuana, and physician assisted suicide, and has been updated throughout to incorporate National Consensus Project for Quality Palliative Care Clinical Practice Guidelines.

Here is a thoroughly updated edition of a classic in palliative medicine. Two new chapters have been added to the 1991 edition, along with a new preface summarizing where progress has been made and where it has not in the area of pain management. This book addresses the timely issue of doctor-patient relationships arguing that the patient, not the disease, should be the central focus of medicine. Included are a number of compelling patient narratives.

Praise for the first edition

"Well written. . .should be read by everyone in medical practice or considering a career in medicine."---JAMA.

"Memorable passages, important ideas, and critical analysis. This is a book that clinicians and educators should read."---New England Journal of Medicine.

The Oxford Textbook of Palliative Social Work is a comprehensive, evidence-informed text that addresses the needs of professionals who provide interdisciplinary, culturally sensitive, biopsychosocial-spiritual care for patients and families living with life-threatening illness. Social workers from diverse settings will benefit from its international scope and wealth of patient and family narratives. Unique to this scholarly text is its emphasis on the collaborative nature inherent in palliative care. This definitive resource is edited by two leading palliative social work pioneers who bring together an array of international authors who provide clinicians, researchers, policy-makers, and academics with a broad range of content to enrich the guidelines recommended by the National Consensus Project for Quality Palliative Care.

Palliative care affirms the value of holistic support for persons facing death from advanced disease. Increasingly the approach of palliative care is seen as relevant not only to terminal cancer (its initial concern), but also to many other incurable conditions. To date, the major emphasis of specialist neurology has been on diagnosis, and the continuing long term management of the many major diseases has received far less attention. This handbook aims to provide succinct and practical advice on the management of major neurological disorders in both their supportive and terminal phases, recognizing that these conditions are increasing in prevalence in virtually every society as the proportion of elderly persons grows. It demonstrates how the discomforts encountered in dementia, stroke, Parkinson's disease, ALS, Huntington's disease, muscular dystrophies, and multiple sclerosis can benefit from the same comprehensive approach to palliation as has evolved in specialist care for cancer.

The first volume in the "What Do I Do Now?: Palliative Care" series, Pediatric Palliative Care uses a case-based palliative care approach to cover common and important topics in the examination, investigation, and management of children with serious illness. Each chapter provides a discussion of the diagnosis, key points to remember, and selected references for further reading. The book addresses a wide range of topics, including the goals of care, symptom management, care for neonatal and adolescent populations, and the emotional, social, cultural and spiritual needs of ill children and their families. Written by authors from a variety of fields such as nursing, chaplaincy, social work, and psychology, this book is suited for pediatricians, palliative care and hospice providers, nurses, and allied health practitioners. Pediatric Palliative Care is an engaging collection of thought-provoking cases which clinicians can utilize when they encounter difficult patients. The volume is also a self-assessment tool that tests the reader's ability to answer the question, "What do I do now?"

Currently, there is no comprehensive source of information available to non-specialist physicians and nurses providing end-of-life care for advanced cancer patients at a level between specialist oncology texts and nursing texts. Two eminent physicians from one of the world's foremost cancer centers have drawn together a remarkable team to provide a handbook which covers the full range of problems non-specialists will encounter. This highly accessible text covers general principles in oncology, each of the primary tumors, and management of specific symptoms and syndromes.

In the 21st century, people in the developed world are living longer. They hope they will have a healthy longer life and then die relatively quickly and peacefully. But frequently that does not happen. While people are living healthy a little longer, they tend to live sick for a lot longer. And at the end of being sick before dying, they and their families are frequently faced with daunting decisions about whether to continue life prolonging medical treatments or whether to find meaningful and forthright ways to die more easily and quickly. In this context, some people are searching for more and better options to hasten death. They may be experiencing unacceptable suffering in the present or may fear it in the near future. But they do not know the full range of options legally available to them. Voluntary stopping eating and drinking (VSED), though relatively unknown and poorly understood, is a widely available option for hastening death. VSED is legally permitted in places where medical assistance in dying (MAID) is not. And unlike U.S. jurisdictions where MAID is legally permitted, VSED is not limited to terminal illness or to those with current decision-making capacity. VSED is a compassionate option that respects patient choice. Despite its strongly misleading image of starvation, death by VSED is typically peaceful and meaningful when accompanied by adequate clinician and/or caregiver support. Moreover, the practice is not limited to avoiding unbearable suffering, but may also be used by those who are determined to avoid living with unacceptable deterioration such as severe dementia. But VSED is "not for everyone." This volume provides a realistic, appropriately critical, yet supportive assessment of the practice. Eight illustrative, previously unpublished real cases are included, receiving pragmatic analysis in each chapter. The volume's integrated, multi-professional, multi-disciplinary character makes it useful for a wide range of readers: patients considering present or future end-of-life options and their families, clinicians of all kinds, ethicists, lawyers, and institutional administrators. Appendices include recommended elements of an advance directive for stopping eating and drinking in one's future if and when decision making capacity is lost, and what to record as cause of death on the death certificates of those who hasten death by VSED.

The many unfounded myths and fears that surround working with people at the end of their lives are dispelled in this thoughtful book, and the authors provide both practical and emotional support for those involved in caring for dying patients. The book covers everything from the philosophy behind the practice to the diverse roles in the multi-disciplinary team, as well as current challenges and opportunities facing end of life care, with an emphasis on how therapy and arts therapies can be integrated effectively. It also looks at palliative care models that address all aspects of a patient's wellbeing and conveys the latest research and challenges in the field, bridging the gap between theory and the realities of working with patients on a daily basis. Using material from artists and therapists working in the field, the varying demands of inpatient, outpatient and home care are described, as well as the processes of bereavement, how to handle the practicalities of loss and the help that therapists can give at this stage. How artists and therapists with experience of working at the end of life can be involved in other areas of care such as supporting older people in care homes and those living with dementia is also discussed. The book also introduces the important area of health promotion, and how there is a growing responsibility to change people's attitudes towards death, dying and bereavement. Clear, practical examples are given as to how this might be achieved. Full of professional advice and career guidance, this book will be an invaluable tool for those working with patients nearing the end of life and those considering working in this area, as well as students in training.

Delirium is a complex syndrome with a multifactorial aetiology and is characterized by marked disturbances of consciousness, attention, memory, perception, thought, sleep-wake cycle, and by fluctuation of symptoms. This book covers in detail the pathophysiology, epidemiology, clinical aspects, differential diagnosis, and management of the syndrome. Due to the special characteristics of the syndrome, specific chapters deal with different aetiologies and populations at risk, with emphasis on the critically ill and palliative care patients. As delirium often announces or anticipates the proximity of death, family issues are considered in a comprehensive final chapter, covering the impact of terminal illness on the family and the process of bereavement. The book emphasises the need for assessing and diagnosing delirium with reliable instruments, and a chapter on assessment is reinforced by including appendices of many of the most relevant instruments reported in recent literature. The evidence from the literature is always distinguished from the authors' opinions and most chapters are integrated by the presentation of case examples. Updated for the second edition this book contains new material on topics including classification systems, more data on populations at risk, and significant new material on the family and bereavement. Delirium: Acute confusional states in palliative medicine, Second Edition demonstrates that only an interdisciplinary treatment of delirium between neurology, psychiatry and palliative medicine can develop knowledge of the syndrome and improve patient and family care. This book has been written for palliative care physicians and specialist nurses, neurologists, psychiatrists, and other health professionals treating terminally ill patients, offering them a clear account of how to recognize and deal with the syndrome.

Psycho-Oncology in Palliative and End-of-Life Care provides expert advice and clinical management guidelines on the impact of advanced cancer and its treatment on the life and wellbeing of a patient in palliative and end-of-life care. Employing a practical toolkit format, this volume addresses a variety of key challenges including: discussions of death and dying, poor prognoses, wishes and values of the dying person, advance care plans, anxiety, demoralization and problems with coping, depression and delirium, the needs of partners, children, families, and caregivers, and spiritual and bereavement care. Each chapter considers presenting symptoms, differential diagnoses and assessment methods to achieve the best diagnosis, so that a detailed formulation can be developed for each person that guides a comprehensive management plan. Each section concludes with professional and service issues ranging from ethical dilemmas, legal requirements, cultural needs, and training and service development issues, through to basic human rights. Part of the Psycho-Oncology Care: Companion Guides for Clinicians series, this concise pocket guide is a resource for oncology specialists, psycho-oncologists in training, consultant nurse specialists and nurse practitioners, and allied health professionals to use as a quick reference in everyday practice. Pitched at intermediate to advanced level skills, this companion guide can be used as a standalone, or alongside existing oncology and psycho-oncology training programs.

Illuminating the Diversity of Cancer and Palliative Care Education examines a myriad of original approaches, techniques, methods, educational strategies and imaginative innovations within this vital field of medicine. Its contributors share a range of educational techniques and tactics from Neuro-Linguistic Programming to creative teaching strategies for bereavement support, allowing readers to reflect on best practice and inventive ways of working which can be used or adapted to suit. This book is an ideal companion to its sister volumes Innovations in Cancer and Palliative Care Education and Delivering Cancer and Palliative Care Education.

This thought provoking and highly practical book is not just about caring for the dying within mental health, but also applying the quality care and practice of palliative care within mental health practice. Multidisciplinary in its approach, it focuses on intervention, treatment, care and practice, and the similarities in practice between palliative care and mental health. This common ground is an excellent foundation for integrating palliative care into mental health care, practice and service delivery, succinctly covering all aspects of psychological, physical, social, spiritual, sexual and emotional health. Featuring authoritative contributions from international experts, each chapter develops a theoretical framework before broadening its scope to include application in practice - addressing what, when, where and why with a definite focus on implementation in practice. Self-assessment exercises, advice for further reading, ideas for reflective practice and summaries of key points are also included, aiming above all else to improve the relationships, responses, care and practice necessary to be effective in interventions and treatment with those experiencing mental health concerns and dilemmas. Ideal for all health, social, psychological, legal and spiritual care students and professionals wanting sound theoretical and practical guidance, this book is highly recommended for General Practitioners and General Practice Registrars, healthcare assistants studying NVQ and health visitors. Educationalists, managers and service developers in health and social care will also appreciate its solution-focused, practical approach.

Provides comprehensive, current information for addressing the physical, psychological, and spiritual needs of hospice patients and their families Substantially updated and expanded, the second edition of this quick-access reference for hospice nurses continues to deliver the most current information on the clinical and administrative duties of the hospice nurse. It encompasses important regulatory changes and milestones, providing timely information on cultural issues, special communication considerations, and hospice care's enduring growth. This resource provides new content on levels of care, assessment and symptom management, and occupational stress, burnout, and self-care. New treatment guidelines and algorithms are included, as are updates on quality measures, the reimbursement schedule, compliance initiatives, and electronic documentation with specific examples. An indispensable clinical resource, the book is a valuable reference for nurses who are seeking to specialize in hospice, those who work in long-term care settings, post-acute care settings, acute care setting, and those who are seeking to enhance their knowledge of end-of-life care within other specialties. New to the Second Edition: Includes new regulatory changes/milestones, such as The National Quality Forum New Priorities for Action 2019 Provides updated information about levels of care, particularly the Last 7 Days rule from Medicare Covers the use of cannabis, non-pharmacological pain management interventions, care of the dying patient, and post-mortem care New chapters are included on the hospice nurse's role as case manager, patient discharge, religious and cultural influences on end-of-life care, pain assessment and interventions, wound care, care of the dying patient, and post-mortem care. Key Features: Reflects key competencies for the hospice nurse as designated by the Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association Delineates clinical and administrative responsibilities of the hospice nurse Simplifies complex information such as Medicare regulations and compliance Provides screening tools for depression, anxiety, and wound risk Includes the Palliative Performance Scale and the Karnofsky Performance Scale Serves as a concise study resource for certification

The relationship between spirituality and healthcare is historical, intellectual and practical, and it has now emerged as a significant field in health research, healthcare policy and clinical practice and training. Understanding health and wellbeing requires addressing spiritual and existential issues, and healthcare is therefore challenged to respond to the ways spirituality is experienced and expressed in illness, suffering, healing and loss. If healthcare has compassionate regard for the humanity of those it serves, it is faced with questions about how it understands and interprets spirituality, what resources it should make available and how these are organised, and the ways in which spirituality shapes and informs the purpose and practice of healthcare? These questions are the basis for this resource, which presents a coherent field of enquiry, discussion and debate that is interdisciplinary, international and vibrant. There is a growing corpus of articles in medical and healthcare journals on spirituality in addition to a wide range of literature, but there has been no attempt so far to publish a standard text on this subject. Spirituality in Healthcare is an authoritative reference on the subject providing unequalled coverage, critical depth and an integrated source of key topics. Divided into six sections including practice, research, policy and training, the project brings together international contributions from scholars in the field to provide a unique and stimulating resource.

Death is the destiny we all share. This will not change. But the way we die, which had been the same for many generations, has changed drastically in a relatively short time for those in developed countries with access to healthcare. For generations, if people were lucky enough to reach old age, not having died in infancy or childhood, in childbirth, in war, or by accident, they would take to bed, surrounded by loved ones who cared for them, and fade into death. Most likely, they would have seen their parents and grandparents die the same way, so this manner of dying would be familiar. It was part of the natural cycle of life. Now less than 25 per cent of Americans die at home, at much older ages than people would have dreamed of in past generations, often after surviving many illnesses and even diseases that would have been terminal for their grandparents. We are fortunate to live (and die) today, supported by myriad scientific, medical, and technological advancements. But we also face new problems as a result of the new way that we die. We cannot look forward to a peaceful waning when we know our lives will likely end in hospitals, having endured very expensive care, rather than at home with family. We have to decide what decisions we want our loved ones, or care-givers, to make when we cannot choose for ourselves. We have to think about whether in any circumstances we would seek physician-assisted death. We know we face other questions as well, but we may not even know where to start. In the face of these decisions, we can feel daunted and afraid. The best remedy is information and planning. In this book, Gregory Eastwood - a physician who has cared for dying patients, served as an ethics consultant, and taught end of life issues to medical and other health profession students - draws from his substantial experience with patients and families to provide the information that will help us think clearly about the choices and issues we will face at the end of our lives, and the end of our loved ones'. With sensitivity and profound insight, Eastwood guides us through all the important questions about death and dying in straightforward, clear language and through real-life stories. Throughout, he shows us how we can take ownership of the way we want to die, when we must die, and feel more in control as death approaches.

So much emphasis in paramedic practice is placed on saving lives, and so how can you provide the best care for patients who are approaching the end of theirs? Knowing when it is appropriate to transfer palliative and end of life patients to hospital can be challenging as there are often many complex factors at stake which can have an impact on both patients and their families. Digging deep into the ethical and clinical aspects of working with palliative patients as a paramedic, this book is the go-to resource to enable you to act within the patient's best interests and provide the most appropriate and effective care. Key features include: Twenty-four case studies covering a range of relevant topics to help apply principles to your own practice Clinical information on symptom control and pain management Written specifically for paramedics, by a range of specialist authors Designated chapters on the role of the paramedic in palliative care, palliative care emergencies and personal resilience Full-colour diagrams throughout. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are all more aware of the importance of patient-centred palliative care; this book is full of tips and techniques to help you feel more confident in ensuring patients not only die 'well' but also live with dignity and comfort.

All physicians are involved in the management of pain at some level or the other, but of the various specialties and health professions, orthopedic surgeons are at the frontline of delivering perioperative pain care for a wide variety of problems that range from skeletal trauma, joint replacement procedures, bone tumors and spinal conditions. Perioperative Pain Management for Orthopedic and Spine Surgery offers a concise yet comprehensive overview of the surgical spine pain management field to help practitioners effectively plan and enhance perioperative pain control. Chapters provide guidance on solving common dilemmas facing surgeons who are managing patients with pain related problems and clinical decision-making, and explore essential topics required for the trainee and practitioner to quickly assess the patient with pain, to diagnose pain and painful conditions, determine the feasibility and safety of surgical procedure needed, and arrange for advanced pain management consults and care if needed. This text also explores the latest evolving techniques and appropriate utilization of modern equipment and technology to safely provide care. Highly accessible and written by experts in the field, Perioperative Pain Management for Orthopedic and Spine Surgery is an ideal resource for practicing orthopedic and spine surgeons, anesthesiologists, critical care personnel, residents, medical students.

Therese Vanier, founder of L'Arche in the UK, was also a distinguished doctor who worked with Cecily Saunders at the world-renowned St Christopher's Hospice in London, and a tireless contributor to Christian ecumenism and interfaith understanding. This biography draws on the memories of nearly fifty people who knew her, as well as her own published and unpublished writings, to offer a tribute to Therese and a critical assessment of her lasting legacy in the three areas of her work. Includes photo section.