As someone approaches the end of their life, it is vitally important that they receive quality care and support, that their wishes are met, and that they are treated with dignity and respect. Pathways through Care at the End of Life is a comprehensive guide to providing excellent, person-centred end of life care. Following a pathway from initial conversations about end of life to care in the last days of life and after death, it covers assessing need and planning care, co-ordinating care between different agencies, and ensuring quality in different settings, such as at home, in a hospice, or in hospital. Good practice guidance on communication, ensuring the person's needs are met, support for their family and how to facilitate a good death is given. Case studies illustrate real life practice, and questions throughout each chapter encourage reflective practice. This book will be essential reading for all those working with people at the end of life, including nurses, social workers, palliative care workers, GPs and home carers, as well as students in these fields.
Acknowledgements. 1. The Context and Philosophy of End of Life Care. 2. Discussions as the End of Life Approaches 3. Assessing Need and Planning Care. 4. Co-ordination of Care. 5. Delivery of High Quality Care in Different Settings. 6. Care in the Last Days of Life. 7. Care after Death. 8. Quality End of Life Care for All. References. Index.
'This clearly written and comprehensive book will be a valuable source of information and resource for any professional or student interested in improving the practical delivery of end of life care. It describes the methodologies, development and successes of the ground breaking national strategy for End of Life Care launched in England in 2008. The material is brought to life with case studies and best practice examples and reflection is encouraged through the use of 'stop and think' questions.'- Barbara Monroe, Chief Executive, St Christopher's Hospice, UK'This book provides a comprehensive, up-to-date, research-based account of multi-professional practice in end-of-life care from different professional perspectives. Its authoritative knowledge base relies on the work of the National End of Life Care Programme in England's Department of Health over several years. Its strong focus on flexible, holistic quality of care will make it valuable for specialist and general practitioners in hospital and community health and social care services.'- Malcolm Payne, consultant in social work and end-of-life care and author of Social Work in End-of-Life and Palliative Care
