End-of-Life Care

This evidence-based guide navigates the complex landscape of end-of-life care through three fundamental pillars: medical aspects of palliative treatment, preservation of patient dignity through autonomous decision-making, and psychological support for both patients and families. The book traces the evolution of palliative care from the 1960s hospice movement to modern integrated care models, highlighting how medical advances have transformed end-of-life care possibilities and challenges.

Through extensive research and case studies from leading facilities, it offers practical solutions for common challenges in palliative care settings, including pain management protocols, advance directive implementation, and communication strategies for difficult conversations. The text skillfully addresses controversial topics like terminal sedation and assisted dying with a balanced, evidence-based approach.

What sets this work apart is its interdisciplinary perspective, connecting medicine with psychology, ethics, and social work to provide a holistic understanding of end-of-life care. The book progresses logically from theoretical frameworks to practical applications, making complex medical and ethical concepts accessible to healthcare professionals, medical students, and informed general readers.

Throughout its chapters, it emphasizes the importance of cultural sensitivity and religious considerations while providing specific guidelines for both hospital and home-care settings.