Palliative medicine was first recognised as a specialist field in 1987. One hundred years earlier, London based doctor William Munk published a treatise on 'easeful death' that mapped out the principles of practical, spiritual, and medical support at the end of life. In the intervening years a major process of development took place which led to innovative services, new approaches to the study and relief of pain and other symptoms, a growing interest in 'holistic' care, and a desire to gain more recognition for care at the end of life. This book traces the history of palliative medicine, from its nineteenth-century origins, to its modern practice around the world. It takes in the changing meaning of 'euthanasia', assesses the role of religious and philanthropic organisations in the creation of homes for the dying, and explores how twentieth-century doctors created a special focus on end of life care. To Comfort Always traces the rise of clinical studies, academic programmes and international collaborations to promote palliative care. It examines the continuing need to support development with evidence, and assesses the dilemmas of unequal access to services and pain relieving drugs, as well as the periodic accusations of creeping medicalization within the field. This is the first history of its kind, and the breadth of information it encompasses makes it an essential resource for those interested in the long-term achievements of palliative medicine as well as the challenges that remain.

A unique structured approach to solving ethical issues that arise in daily clinical practice A Doody's Core Title for 2011! Clinical Ethics teaches the widely-known Four-Topics Method to help you make the right choice when facing complex ethical questions and dilemmas encountered during everyday patient care. You will learn an easy-to-apply system based on simple questions about medical indications, patient preferences, quality of life, and contextual features that clearly explain clinical ethics and helps you formulate a sound diagnosis and treatment strategy. Goes beyond theory to offer a solid decision-making strategy applicable to real-world practice Numerous clinical case examples link principles to everyday practice--many new to this edition Practical coverage of important legal issues Ethical considerations in palliative care, medically assisted death, clinical research, and other timely issues Perfect for students, trainees, clinicians, ethics committee members, nurses, and patients Handy four-topics chart pullout card The content you need to make the right choice: Introduction; Medical Intervention; Patient Preferences; Quality of Life; Contextual Features.

Coming from a long line of doctors, it seemed natural that Edward Livingston Trudeau would follow in that path. Never did he dream that only shortly after returning from his honeymoon in 1871, he would be diagnosed with tuberculosis. Despite being devastated by the news, he spent the rest of his life in the research and treatment of tuberculosis, establishing the Adirondack Cottage Sanitarium at Saranac Lake. His laboratory there was the first in the United States dedicated to a better understanding of the disease. In this intensely interesting, inspiring, and often witty memoir, Dr. Trudeau relates the trials and victories of his professional and personal life. His long marriage was one of the bedrocks of his life. Among his most celebrated patients was author Robert Louis Stevenson, with whom he became friends. He also mentions an evening with Stevenson and Libby Custer (widow of General George Armstrong Custer) that was highly entertaining.

To Comfort Always is an award-winning handbook for nurses on how to care for patients at the end of life. Fully revised and updated, this new edition is a practical guide to understanding the needs of both patients and families and the important roles nurses play in addressing those needs to Comfort Always provides a practical framework that differentiates end-of-life nursing in terms of skilled clinician, advocate and guide. Content includes: Educating your patients, their families, and yourself about illnesses, Guiding patients and families through the stages of dementia, Conducting pain assessments, Advocating for the needs of patients and families, Assessing and engaging when death is near, Understanding the specific needs of a dying child Book jacket.