Hospice and Palliative Care Handbook

Li Liu, MD
Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania
Last Modified: November 1, 2001

Author: Tina M. Marrelli, MSN, MA, RNC
Publisher: Mosby, Inc.
ISBN: 0-8151-3557-2

OncoLink Rating:

Hospice and Palliative Care Handbook is authored by Tina M. Marrelli, MSN, MA, RNC, president of Marrelli and Associates, Inc. and editor and publisher of Home Care Nurse News, the monthly clinical newsletter for clinicians and managers in home care, hospice and community-based practice.

Hospice is a special concept of care designed to provide comfort and support to patients and their families when a life-limiting illness no longer responds to cure-oriented treatments. Hospice emphasizes palliative rather than curative treatment, quality rather than quantity of life. Hospice and palliative care provide relief from pain and other distressing symptoms, integrate the psychological and spiritual aspects of patient care, offer a support system to help patients live as actively as possible until death, and offer a support system to help the family cope during the patient's illness and in their own bereavement. Hospice is provided by a team-oriented group of specially trained professionals, volunteers and family members.

The book discussed a broad range of issues related to hospice and palliative care, including the concept, documentation and management of hospice organizations, guidelines for specific illnesses, as they relate to children, nutritional support, pain management, and some useful references commonly used in hospice care. Care Guidelines for specific diseases and medical conditions is particularly helpful for patients and their family to understand their illness, medical needs, psychosocial support, and specific tips for quality of life. Reimbursement issues are also addressed.

The book is practical and user-friendly. It is a must have for the hospice and palliative care professional and an excellent reference for patients who have a limited life expectancy and their family as well. The Hospice and Palliative Care Handbook is highly recommended by OncoLink.