Palliative Cancer Care in Acute Nursing

Many cancer patients are seen in outpatient clinics, general medical wards and general and specialist surgical wards as well as oncology units. There patients can have varied palliative care needs and it is the responsibility of those nursing them to be aware of these needs and how to respond to them. This informative and practical text starts with the premise that care delivery with a palliative approach is a core skill that every health professional, in whatever setting, should possess if dealing with patients who have an incurable disease.

The palliative approach has as the main priority the promotion of physical, psychological and spiritual well-being of the patient and their family. By focusing on quality of life, best possible symptom control and quality death in a holistic manner, the nursing management of patients is enhanced.