Control of pain, of other symptoms, and of psychological, social and spiritual problems is paramount. The goal of palliative care is achievement of the best possible quality of life for patients and their families. Many aspects of palliative care are also applicable earlier in the course of the illness, in conjunction with anticancer treatment. Investigative procedures are kept to a minimum. Though many libraries and bookstores have titles on palliative care, one of the best sources in Montreal is the Education Support Office in the Gerald Bronfman Centre is a library and referral service.
Some books are better than others.
We offer here a partial list, recommended by men and women who have lived and worked with people who are dying. It is, at least, a place to start.