ABSTRACT
Care of the dying is an integral part of the healthcare professional’s role. The majority of general practitioners see it as one of their most important tasks, and one from which they gain much job satisfaction.1 Carers are often very appreciative of good care given, but also distressed when this is lacking. And yet, despite its universal inevitability, many fears and taboos still persist about death and dying, and these inhibit the discussion of end-of-life issues by healthcare professionals. These fears are based on societal norms and they result in less than ideal deaths, even for those whose death is anticipated.
