Discusses, in context of physician-patient relationship, workable model on advance directives for physicians to use with patients along with appropriate guidelines. Examines variables involved in establishment of guidelines for use by physician in office and inpatient settings. Identifies key management and clinical factors for initiating and…

Presents cubism as metaphor to think about medical humanities curriculum in medical school curriculum. Uses Kafka's "The Metamorphosis," Tolstoy's "The Death of Ivan Ilych," and Olsen's "Tell Me a Riddle" to illustrate how literary inquiry might enable medical students and other health care providers to think about…

Analyzed response bias among 34 recipients of care in hospice. Found nonrespondents to have better bereavement prognoses and tended to care for patients who were younger, male, and in program for shorter time. Nonrespondents were in contact with staff less than were respondents. Data are consistent with earlier research showing significant…

Notes that role of psychologist on palliative care unit is to be there for terminally ill, their friends, and their families, both during the dying and the bereavement and for the caregiver team. Focuses on work of decoding ordinary words which for many patients hide painful past. Stresses necessity to remain open to unexpected. (Author/NB)

Describes a program that used art and poetry therapy with terminally ill patients. Presents the creative writings of two patients. (SR)

Notes that International Work Group on Death, Dying, and Bereavement recognizes wide variation of attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors pertaining to childhood death, dying, and bereavement. Statement identifies set of assumptions which can serve as guidelines, across cultures, in care of children with terminal illness and their families. (Author/NB)

Describes the elements of a program in hospice and palliative medicine that may serve as a model of an effective system of physician education. Topics for the palliative-care curriculum include hospice medicine, breaking bad news, pain management, the process of dying, and managing personal stress. (JOW)

Counselors working with older adults may encounter situations that are not addressed by the ethical standards of the American Counseling Association. Article identifies and discusses types of situation one may encounter when working with older adults who have cognitive impairment, are victims of abuse, or are terminally ill. Proposes guidelines…

Offers several of the author's (a pediatric oncologist) poems and reflections on his poetry in relation to his work with dying children. (SR)

Interviews with 12 fourth-year student nurses in Scotland indicated that they found communicating with terminally ill and dying patients and their families difficult. Although lectures on death and dying were helpful, support and guidance for dealing with these issues in clinical practice were needed. (SK)

Presents the story of an adolescent dying from Ducheenne muscular dystrophy. A transformation in the helping relationship occurs just as the caregiver becomes overwhelmed with the youth's anger and despair. The caregiver uses his insights from battling substance abuse and pain to help transform the youth's attitude of despair to one of living each…

Members of the Association of Oncology Social Workers completed a survey, which included the Hospice Philosophy Scale (HPS) assessing the likelihood of the worker referring a terminally ill patient to hospice, background and experience, and demographics. The respondents held overwhelmingly favorable attitudes toward hospice philosophy and care,…

Being diagnosed with a serious illness is a major crisis to face for both the individual with the illness and the loved ones involved. To better prepare patients and their families in the adjustment to the impact of illness, it is essential to teach them the various emotional responses commonly experienced and effective coping skills. Helping…

Encourages counselors to recognize the value of incorporating the spiritual domain in their work and offers strategies that can be used to promote meaning-making when working with clients with limited life expectancy. The use of rituals and expressive activities is highlighted. (Contains 50 references.) (GCP)

A study illustrates how legal sanction promotes a culture that transforms suicide into assisted suicide and encourages choosing death when faced with serious illness. The question of extending legal euthanasia to those not physically ill complicates the issue. Also, doctors may feel they can end a terminally-ill patient's life without consent.…