Approaching Death: Improving Care at the End of Life
by By Institute of Medicine (U. S.), Field, Marilyn J. (EDT), Cassel, Christine K. (EDT), and Institute of Medicine (U. S.) Committee on Care at the End of Life (COR)
Category: Medical , Terminal Care

Reviews what we know about care at the end of life, what we have yet to learn, and what we know but don't adequately apply, seeking to build an understanding of what constitutes good care for the dying and offering recommendations that address barriers to good care. Discusses the process of determining diagnosis and prognosis and communicating these to patient and family, and shows how to match physical, psychological, spiritual, and practical care to a patient's values and circumstances. Also discusses legal, financial, and economic issues. Includes some 100 pages of guidelines and documents from various organizations, and summaries of conferences and workshops. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.