ABC of Palliative Care. This item is unavailable.ABC of Palliative Care

This user friendly guide to the palliative care of patients with incurable diseases takes a practical, easy to follow approach to this complex subject. Management of all the major symptoms are described, including difficult pain problems, respiratory problems, nausea and vomiting, constipation and diarrhoea, depression and anxiety. It also discusses the issues surrounding terminal care such as quality of life, communication skills, bereavement and carers. Chapters by a multidisciplinary team of contributors are pulled together by two editors with extensive experience in oncology and general practice. With excellent colour and black and white photographs and line drawings, the ABC of Palliative Care will become an invaluable reference for GPs, hospital doctors, specialist nurses, and all involved in palliative care.

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.