Hospital palliative care teams have been established in rapidly increasing numbers over the last twenty, as it has been recognised that hospices can never transfer the philosophy and practice of palliative care into the acute sector by simply existing; they often work as ‘stand alone units’ and remain outside mainstream medicine. However it has become apparent that improving access to palliative care for patients in acute hospitals is not as easy as employing external palliative care specialists as consultants. Even setting up a team of professionals who work solely in a hospital will often no ... More

Hospital palliative care teams have been established in rapidly increasing numbers over the last twenty, as it has been recognised that hospices can never transfer the philosophy and practice of palliative care into the acute sector by simply existing; they often work as ‘stand alone units’ and remain outside mainstream medicine. However it has become apparent that improving access to palliative care for patients in acute hospitals is not as easy as employing external palliative care specialists as consultants. Even setting up a team of professionals who work solely in a hospital will often not improve the care of the great majority of patients being treated there. Based on the experience and knowledge of three clinicians in the area who have developed palliative care services in acute settings, this book provides those facing the same challenges with guidance and advice on a range of problems they might encounter. Using a problem focused and practical approach, this guide is filled with case-based problems to help with the identification of realistic, usable, everyday solutions. It also covers the skills and knowledge needed to help teams make progress in the hospital as well as outlining the best training to help professionals continue to flourish.