Abstract

The Oxford Handbook of Palliative Care covers all aspects of palliative care in a concise and succinct format suited to busy professionals who need to access key information in their daily care of patients. This practical guide covers briefly the historical and epidemiological background of palliative care, and the growth of palliative medicine as a specialty, before dealing with major physical, psychological and spiritual, and symptom management issues from diagnosis to bereavement care. In addition to the adult chapters, the handbook includes an extensive paediatric section. The oncology section outlines the treatment regimes of the common cancers and details the chemotherapeutic agents, including their side effects. The Oxford Handbook of Palliative Care will prove invaluable for specialist doctors, nurses and professionals allied to medicine who are involved in the day-to-day care of adults, children and families with palliative care needs.