Continuous Sedation at the End of Life

'Continuous Sedation at the End of Life offers a thorough and thoughtful analysis of a complex and vexing issue. It successfully spans disciplines and jurisdictions as it provides clinical and epidemiological evidence about - and legal and ethical analyses of - a practice that is in real need of careful attention. By helping us to see that continuous sedation at the end of life needs to be (and how it can be) better understood, monitored, and regulated, this book has the potential to meaningfully contribute to the improvement of care of the dying across the globe.' Jocelyn Downie, Dalhousie University, Nova Scotia
'This book is clearly a treat to read and digest. As any clinician in palliative care knows, palliative sedation at the end of life is complex. It requires careful communication within the clinical team and, of course, with patients and families. This text mentors the reader to be mindful of all aspects of palliative sedation from the practical aspects, to the ethical dilemmas and the legal frameworks. It explores the challenges faced every day in attempting to meet patients' and families' needs near the end of life. A must-read for all professionals working in or researching palliative care.' Sheila Payne, President, European Association for Palliative Care
'This thoughtful volume assembles the reflections of leading ethicists, physicians, social researchers and others on the important topic of sedation in end of life care. Of growing importance in the toolkit available for the relief of suffering in the palliative care of dying patients, the relatively new technology of sedation raises many ethical issues which the authors outline in insightful, often original and always informative ways. The combining of perspectives from clinicians and academics is particularly valuable and the editorial introduction provides a masterful summary of the issues involved. This book is destined to be a classic contribution to clinical ethics.' Clive Seale, Brunel University
'For anyone who wants an in-depth, comprehensive and balanced understanding of the clinical and ethical issues surrounding continuous sedation at the end of life, this book is the place to go. The subject is more complex than most people realize and the authors' contributions are extremely helpful in teasing apart and identifying the critical issues.' Stuart Youngner, Case Western Reserve University, Ohio