Palliative care in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis - David Oliver

Amytrophic Lateral Sclerosis (or motor neurone disease) is a rare disease but one that can cause profound suffering for both the patient and their family. Whilst new treatments for ALS are being developed, these are not curative and offer only the potential to slow its progression. Palliative care must therefore be integral to the clinical approach to the disease. Palliative Care in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: From diagnosis to bereavement reflects the wide scope ofthis care; it must cover not just the terminal phase, but support the patient and their family from the onset of the disease.Both the multidisciplinary palliative care team and the neurology team are essential in providing a high standard of care and allowing quality of life (both patient and carer) to be maintained. Clear guidelines are provided to address care throughout the disease process. Control of symptoms is covered alongside the psychosocial care of patients and their families, culminating in discussion of bereavement. The experience of patients and families is considered and case studies are provided toshow the practical application of the theoretical knowledge. Different models of care are explored, and this new edition utilises the increase in both the evidence-base and available literature on the subject. Additional chapters on nursing, spiritual care, decision making, and ethical issuessurrounding end of life care ensure that this new edition remains the essential guide to palliative care in ALS.