ABSTRACT
This chapter illustrates the importance of patient and carer education in cancer and palliative care, and demonstrates the benefits of a patient and carer course. It discusses different approaches, and illustrates one working model for patient and carer course delivery to the client group. The education was designed to inform the individual about their disease and its treatment. Its intention was to inform and educate regarding health promotion and self-management activities. The chapter describes the history, drivers, educational theory and background to one method of patient and carer education for cancer and palliative care patients. It explores patients and carers and healthcare professionals involved in each course, and the main themes. Essential integral themes running throughout the course are communication, autonomy, self-esteem, and valuing the patient and carer experience and expertise. Patients are aware of the efforts, strains and problems that their illness creates for their carers and family, and they feel a great need to help reduce this stress.
