The incidence of cancer is alarmingly increasing worldwide. The major problem that the medical profession is currently facing refers to "late presentation" patients who, for the most part, have reached the terminal stage of the illness. For these people, the only treatment option left is palliative care. Various patterns of palliation have been in practice in every culture and in every ethnic group for generations. Unfortunately, we still lack significant and sustained investment in research related to the practice of palliative care. Authors from around the globe seek more investment of public and private funds to investigate ways to improve the bedside practice of palliative care. Modern palliative care concepts were established by Dame Cicely Saunders, from London, UK, right after World War II. It is only in the past 15 to 20 years that this new discipline started to develop in the developing world. However, we still lack the essential basic biological processes involved in relieving the suffering of cancer patients while receiving palliative measures throughout the trajectory of the disease. This book owes its origins in large measure to physicians and nurses in 30 countries globally, who decided to devote their time, energy, compassion and goodwill, to the promotion of palliative care in their countries and communities, yet they lack solid evidence-based data to rely upon while extending their treatment to both patients and family members. The goal, in part, is to bridge the gap between scientists and clinicians from developed countries and those in developing countries. We have been aware of the variances between cultures, traditions, beliefs and practices. I am continually struck by the seemingly diametrical views of "knowing" and cultures and the strong overlaps that might give rise to new ideas. We hope that these new volumes will serve to inspire health professionals' and administrators' interests and appreciation for the investment in basic and clinical research that will serve to advance our understanding of the underlying physical and emotional factors involved while extending palliative care to patients suffering from cancer and other non-communicable illnesses.

A Field Manual for Palliative Care in Humanitarian Crises represents the first-ever effort at educating and providing guidance for clinicians not formally trained in palliative care in how to incorporate its principles into their work in crisis situations. A Field Manual for Palliative Care in Humanitarian Crises represents the first-ever effort at educating and providing guidance for clinicians not formally trained in palliative care in how to incorporate its principles into their work in crisis situations.

This book provides an unique resource for registered nurses working in hospice palliative care at home and for the community, outside of acute care settings and also incorporates literature related to palliative care in acute health care settings, as part of the overall services and supports required. Very few resources exist which specifically address hospice palliative care in the home setting, despite the fact that most palliative care occurs outside acute care settings and is primarily supported by unpaid family caregivers. An overview of the concerns for individuals and families, as well as specific nursing interventions, from all ages would be an excellent support for nursing students and practicing registered nurses alike. The book structure begins with a description of the goals and objectives of hospice palliative care and the nursing role in providing excellent supportive care. Chapters include research findings and specifically research completed by the authors in the areas of pediatric palliative care, palliative care for those with dementia, and the needs of family caregivers in bereavement. Interventions developed by the editors are provided in this book, such as the “Finding Balance Intervention” for bereaved caregivers; the “Reclaiming Yourself” tool for bereaved spouses of partners with dementia; and The Keeping Hope Possible Toolkit for families of children with life threatening and life limiting illnesses. The development and application of these theory-based interventions are also highlighted. Videos and vignettes written by family caregivers about what was helpful for them, provide a patient-and family-centered approach./div The book will benefit nursing students, educators and practicing registered nurses by providing information, theory, and evidence from research.

The second edition of a guide, which introduced a simple, yet highly effective method for the relief of cancer pain. Thoroughly revised and updated, the new edition further refines the WHO method, which advocates the use of a small number of relatively inexpensive drugs, including morphine. Revisions draw on experiences with millions of patients around the world as well as new knowledge about the specific pain syndromes unique to cancer. Completely new are chapters describing the international system by which morphine and other opioids are made available for medical purposes. The book has two parts. Part one provides a practical guide to the relief of cancer pain, concentrating on drug treatment as the mainstay of pain management. The most extensive section sets out detailed guidelines for the selection and prescribing of non-opioid analgesics, opioid analgesics, drugs for neuropathic pain, and adjuvant drugs for the treatment of adverse effects, the enhancement of pain relief and the management of concomitant psychological disturbances. Information ranges from explanations of how specific drugs work, through the precautions to take in the presence of certain disorders, to a list of factors that influence the effectiveness of opioids. Concerning the use of opioids, readers are reminded that psychological dependence does not occur in cancer patients and that the only correct dose of morphine is the one that relieves the pain. Part two provides a guide to opioid availability. A discussion of the reasons why opioids continue to be underprescribed or difficult to obtain is followed by an explanation of the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs.

Essential information for anyone involved in palliative care programs for deprived patients! In this comprehensive resource, leading healthcare professionals describe pioneering work on the front lines of pain and palliative care service planning and implementation for underserved populations. Pain and Palliative Care in the Developing World and Marginalized Populations: A Global Challenge explores the challenges and barriers preventing satisfactory pain management for patients who urgently need it. This book provides you with true accounts of palliative care programs from around the world to help you meet the needs of disadvantaged clients. This essential volume includes a Foreword written by a world leader in palliative care—Jan Stjernsward, Former Chief of the Cancer and Palliative Care Program of the World Health Organization and currently International Director of the Oxford International Centre for Palliative Care in the United Kingdom. Pain and Palliative Care in the Developing World and Marginalized Populations: A Global Challenge addresses issues of vital importance for the global health care community, such as: Why do so many people in the developing world suffer excruciating pain for months and years, when simple inexpensive medication could make them comfortable? They get MRI scans; why don’t they have access to palliative care? Why do some palliative care programs fail to reach the needy? How could a palliative care delivery system be adapted to local needs? Why are medical and nursing students not taught the fundamentals of pain management? What direction should palliative care education take? Could health care resources be channeled to deliver care in a more just and equitable manner? This book chronicles the efforts of ambitious pain management care professionals to confront these questions, working toward an end to needless, preventable pain and suffering. It examines their programs, and acknowledges their successes and failures to date, with commentaries by international experts. This indispensable manual discusses palliative care programs in developing countries such as India, Chile, Argentina, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and others. Pain and Palliative Care in the Developing World and Marginalized Populations also offers an important look at pain management programs geared toward several specific underserved populations in both developing and developed countries, including Native Americans and inmates in a New Zealand prison. Illustrated with figures, graphs, and tables, this book is essential for practitioners and officials in both palliative and public health care. All proceeds from sales of this book will be used to support the growth of palliative care programs in India.

In our society's aggressive pursuit of cures for cancer, we have neglected symptom control and comfort care. Less than one percent of the National Cancer Institute's budget is spent on any aspect of palliative care research or education, despite the half million people who die of cancer each year and the larger number living with cancer and its symptoms. Improving Palliative Care for Cancer examines the barriersâ€"scientific, policy, and socialâ€"that keep those in need from getting good palliative care. It goes on to recommend public- and private-sector actions that would lead to the development of more effective palliative interventions; better information about currently used interventions; and greater knowledge about, and access to, palliative care for all those with cancer who would benefit from it.