Key points Informed consent underpins palliative care. Patients' competence must be assessed and their autonomy respected. Adequate information should be given, as well as adequate time for deliberation. To realise this aim, professionals must be aware of the physical and emotional issues involved in the care of the dying and of the approaches available for their management. Key points Heron's model of human needs is applicable to the palliative care setting.
Terminal illness compromises physical needs and frustrates personal needs.
Palliative care professionals can create conditions that foster an adaptive response to terminal illness by reducing both physical and psychological distress.