ABSTRACT

This book is intended for all those who not only have to give bad news but who are also keen to give as much help and support as possible to partners and families - both immediately and during remission relapse terminal illness dying or grieving. Although it concentrates on the somewhat neglected interests of relatives much of it is very relevant to the care of patients. It is of use in a hospital environment and in primary care and readers including doctors nurses social workers and spiritual advisers will value it both when they are in training and perhaps especially in the years after qualification.

chapter 1|14 pages

Who will see the relatives?

chapter 2|13 pages

More communication skills and suggestions

chapter 3|10 pages

Who? When? Where?

chapter 4|15 pages

Diagnosis and prognosis

chapter 5|10 pages

Denial, optimism and uncertainty

chapter 6|16 pages

Remedies, remissions and relapses

chapter 7|14 pages

The relative as adviser and carer

chapter 8|15 pages

The relative as victim

chapter 9|10 pages

The relative as parent

chapter 10|17 pages

Terminal illness

chapter 11|17 pages

Journey’s end

chapter 12|19 pages

The angry relative with Margaret Sparshott