Leading palliative care experts illustrate how you can improve both communication with cancer patients and their quality of life. For more than twenty years, this guide has been the go-to resource for busy practicing oncology and palliative care clinicians. This fourth edition, now titled Comprehensive Guide to Supportive and Palliative Care for Patients with Cancer, provides physicians, advanced practice clinicians, and patients and their families with detailed information and advice for alleviating the suffering of cancer patients and their loved ones. Drawing on the work of experts who have developed revolutionary approaches to symptom management and palliative care, as well as on lessons learned during her decades as a teacher and clinician, Dr. Janet L. Abrahm and her coauthors illustrate how to help patients and families understand their prognosis, communicate their care preferences, and minimize their distress. This edition reflects important updates in the field while addressing the informational needs of a broader market of health care providers, including social workers, psychologists, psychiatrists, bereavement counselors, and chaplains. This new edition features three new chapters-"Spiritual Care in Palliative Care," "Psychological Considerations," and "Bereavement"-as well as specific guidelines about * advance care planning at all phases of cancer * understanding complex family dynamics and communication challenges * partnering with interpreters in the care of patients and family members with limited English-language proficiency * special considerations to take into account for LGBTQ+ patients and their loved ones * caring for patients who have a serious mental illness along with a cancer diagnosis * nonpharmacologic management of pain and other symptoms associated with cancer or its treatment The book features self-reflective exercises that encourage readers to consider their own biases before having discussions with patients and family members, as well as numerous patient stories that illustrate the techniques and insights clinicians can use to provide holistic, multidimensional care for a diverse cancer patient population.
Janet L. Abrahm, MD (CAMBRIDGE, MA), is a professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and a member of the Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women's Hospital. Molly E. Collins, MD (NORTH BILLERICA, MA), is the director of medical education and the fellowship program director for the Supportive Oncology and Palliative Care Program at Fox Chase Cancer Center and an assistant professor of medicine at Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University. Bethany-Rose Daubman, MD (YARDLEY, PA), is an assistant professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School, director of Continuing Medical Education for palliative care at Massachusetts General Hospital, and codirector of the Massachusetts General Hospital Global Palliative Care Program.
List of Figures and Tables List of Contributors Acknowledgments Introduction Part I. A Team Approach Chapter 1. Early Days with Molly E. Collins, MD Chapter 2. Working with Patients' Families with Arden O'Donnell, MPH, MSW, LICSW, APHSW-C Chapter 3. Spiritual Care in Palliative Care with Rev. Katie Pakos Rimer, MDiv, EdD, BCC Chapter 4. Sexuality, Intimacy, and Cancer with Amanda Moment, MSW, LICSW Chapter 5. Advancing Disease with Molly E. Collins, MD Part II. Pain Control, Symptom Management, and Psychological Considerations Chapter 6. Assessing the Patient in Pain Chapter 7. Pharmacologic Management of Cancer Pain Chapter 8. Nonpharmacologic Strategies in Palliative Care Chapter 9. Psychological Considerations with Hermioni L. Amonoo, MD, MPP Chapter 10. Managing Other Distressing Problems Part III. End of Life and Bereavement Chapter 11. Approaching the End: Concerns of Patients and Their Families at the End of Life Chapter 12. The Last Days Chapter 13. Bereavement with Bethany-Rose Daubman, MD Index
Leading palliative care experts illustrate how you can improve both communication with cancer patients and their quality of life.
A well-researched textbook that drawers on lots of aspects of symptom management in palliative care. -- "Nursing Times Review" Dr. Abrahm expands on her excellent coverage of symptom management and includes new chapters to address complex psychosocial topics. --Jordana Meyerson "Journal of Palliative Medicine" Every healthcare professional needs this book. A practical and concise guide, it is an excellent resource that should be used to prevent and treat suffering as healthcare professionals accompany the patient and family through the experience of living with cancer. -- "Oncology Nursing Forum" This is an important, intelligent, and well-researched book, which includes a bibliography for clinicians and one for patients. It is written with genuine concern for patients and should be particularly useful to clinicians who wish to enhance their relationships with patients and their families. -- "Cancer World"
