ABSTRACT
This chapter aims to provide the reader with an understanding of the importance of public education to palliative care – it is an essential and integral dimension. It takes a more descriptive, informative approach with the intention that this will inspire the reader to increase their awareness of and involvement in public education. The chapter raises awareness of how important the topic of public education is within palliative care. The challenge for palliative care practitioners and educators is to find innovative ways to educate members of the public that are appropriate to their collective and ultimately their individual needs. The chapter looks at the importance of public education to palliative care, recognising that health professionals working in palliative care are already involved in public education at some level. Public education implemented appropriately will ensure that it achieves its overall aim of empowering the public so that they are able to adapt to their new situation in whatever form this takes.
