What's in the syringe? : principles of early integrated palliative care
(Book)

Includes bibliographical references and index.

"A member of the palliative care team meets Alicia for the first time. They meet in the infusion bay, where the thin curtains offer symbolic privacy. Alicia is in her early 60s, and had gone to the doctor with a persistent cough. Subsequent tests revealed metastatic lung cancer. She has just finished her first cycle of first line chemotherapy, which she tolerated well. A quick review of her chart reveals no obvious physical symptoms such as pain or shortness of breath. Her social history is notable for the recent death of her husband. She has one adult child, who lives nearby"--,Provided by publisher.

"What's in the Syringe? offers a succinct overview of the psychological skills of outpatient palliative care, teaching clinicians how to help patients live well and acknowledge end of life as patients meet five challenges of serious illness. It explores how to help patients develop prognostic awareness, through which they pair hopes and worries and see themselves with clarity and empathy. The book also teaches clinicians how to support patients' coping skills. As patients use these skills, they improve their quality of life and deepen their prognostic awareness, helping them make informed medical and personal decisions as they approach end of life. Illustrated, case-based chapters are organized from diagnosis to end of life and draw on two decades of research and clinical experience. Each chapter describes how palliative care and oncology clinicians can collaborate and explains the interpretive role of the palliative care clinician in helping the patient and oncologist understand each other. What's in the Syringe? is an essential resource for palliative care fellows, trainees, and clinicians, for oncologists, primary care clinicians, and medical students, and for all care providers working with patients facing serious illness." -- Publisher's description