Introduction

A comprehensive, multimedia course giving an overview of the subject of end of life care.

This is part 1 of the series. Upon the completion of this course, readers will be able to describe the team approach to end-of-life care, discuss the role of hospitalists in end-of-life care for the hospitalised patient, summarise the goals and services of hospice, define and discuss palliative care, describe the importance of advance directives, examine ethical issues in end-of-life care, describe cultural considerations in caring for the terminally ill, discuss the psychological and social needs of the dying, analyse the spiritual needs of the dying, describe symptom management in end-of-life care, examine the mind-body approach to end-of-life care, discuss the use of aromatherapy in palliative care, evaluate the benefits of massage and energy-based therapies in palliative care, and much more.