[The dying patient]

Abstract

All doctors in clinical practice have to face dying patients. In order to give help to the patient and his nearest family, the doctor needs knowledge about the dying process and how to relieve suffering. Based on relevant literature and own clinical experience, we discuss the challenges of identifying the terminal phase, ethical issues concerning medical treatment, and how to offer adequate symptom relief. We describe how to relieve pain and other symptoms, and how to organise the care of the dying. Drugs that may be useful in relieving suffering are described with dosing proposals. Family members have to be helped as well with information and reassurance. A Norwegian Standard for Palliation focusing on the organisation of palliative and terminal care has recently been published.