Caring for the Dying Patient and the Family

This book gives an introduction to the nursing care of the dying patient and family and an overview of the role of the multidisciplinary team in this care. It stresses the team approach to care, and provides nurses with practical guidelines as well as the theoretical background.

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Caring for a dying patient may involve many people, not least members of the family. The patient and the family under these circumstances need much care and support often from a multidisciplinary team. The nurse while providing the main care especially towards the end of the dying person's life also has a central co-ordinating role. This book provides practical advice for this nursing care with other professionals describing and affirming their own contribution to this care. New needs have arisen during the past decade such as those people dying of AIDS. There is also the special situation of people from non-Christian religious and cultural backgrounds. These issues are addressed together with updated information on symptom control. Qualified nurses, particularly those undertaking special courses in preparation for working in a field of terminal care, will find this book a comprehensive guide. It will also assist in the vital work of teaching students and relatives how to give the appropriate care and support for the dying patient and the family.
This book should be of interest to all qualified nurses, especially those involved in terminal care, care staff working in hospices and nurse tutors.