ABSTRACT
This chapter explores issues that arise for oncology and palliative care patients and their families which should be addressed by educationalists in a comprehensive and sensitive way. It addresses these issues, focusing on ideas used by family therapists, and makes suggestions about how basic training in this area can be provided. Relationships within families have different meanings and significance, which will often determine the way that a family cares for a family member who is sick. The family history of illness, death and dying will have an influence on the way in which a life-threatening illness is experienced both by the patient and by his family. The flexibility of families as systems can affect the way in which any change is managed. A family that communicates effectively and which has developed a range of problem-solving skills will be better able to negotiate the adaptations required when a family member is seriously ill.
