Recognizing dying in terminal illness

Paul M Taylor; Miriam Johnson

doi:10.12968/hmed.2011.72.8.446

Recognizing dying in terminal illness

Br J Hosp Med (Lond). 2011 Aug;72(8):446-50. doi: 10.12968/hmed.2011.72.8.446.

Authors

Paul M Taylor¹, Miriam Johnson

Affiliation

¹ Hull York Medical School, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK.

PMID: 21841589
DOI: 10.12968/hmed.2011.72.8.446

Abstract

Recognizing dying in terminally ill patients is a complex clinical skill. This article outlines the approach to the decision, common difficulties encountered in patients with both malignant and non-malignant disease, and a simple approach to considering the question 'Is this patient dying?'

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Review

MeSH terms

Attitude to Death
Clinical Competence*
Communication
Death*
Decision Making
Humans
Palliative Care
Terminal Care / methods*
Terminally Ill*