The Oxford Handbook of Palliative Care covers all aspects of palliative care in a concise and succinct format suited to busy professionals who need to access key information in their daily care of patients. This new edition is revised throughout, with an additional emphasis on the nursing aspects of Palliative Care. The authors have included new sections on international palliative care, self care and liaison palliative care in acute hospitals. There is also extended material on the use of antibiotics, palliative care research and quality of life issues. The second edition of the Oxford Handbook of Palliative Care continues to be an invaluable resource for all health professionals working with adults, children and families with palliative care needs.

Table of Contents

Introduction ; 1. Ethical issues ; 2. Breaking bad news ; 3. Research in palliative care ; 4. Principles of drug use in palliative care ; 5. Oncology and palliative care ; 6. Symptom management ; 7. Paediatric palliative care ; 8. End of life care in non-malignant disease ; 9. Spiritual care ; 10. Contribution to palliative care of allied health professions ; 11. Complementary therapies in palliative care ; 12. Palliative care in the home ; 13. Hospital liaison palliative care ; 14. Palliative care for people with learning difficulties ; 15. Emergencies in palliative care ; 16. The terminal phase ; 17. Bereavement ; 18. Self care ; 19. Miscellaneous