Edited by two leading pioneers of palliative medicine, this essential guide provides you with the core knowledge and skills necessary to provide comprehensive and compassionate care. Designed to meet the needs of the daily medical caretaker, this detailed text examines patient assessment, communication, cultural considerations, legal and ethical issues, advance care planning, symptom control, clinical management of specific illnesses, service delivery, interdisciplinary team composition, and more. From diagnosis to bereavement care, PALLIATIVE CARE: CORE SKILLS AND CLINICAL COMPETENCIES addresses all major clinical, physical, psychological, and spiritual management issues encountered in palliative care - in a user-friendly, ready-reference format.Tap into expert guidance on all aspects of palliative care in one reference.Enhance pain management with a better understanding of the molecular and physiological mechanisms of suffering.Quickly review specific treatment protocols for both malignant and non-malignant illnesses, including HIV/AIDS, heart failure, renal failure, and cirrhosis.Recognize the characteristic features of specific illnesses and master the core clinical skills needed to manage their symptoms, including surgical palliation.Identify and meet the needs of special populations, including pediatric and geriatric patients.Access at-a-glance information on pharmacology-mechanisms of action, indications in palliative care, incompatibility, adverse effects, dosage, and administration-with a formulary of commonly used palliative drugs.Better understand and manage the common and unique challenges associated with delivering palliative care in various social settings.Educate patients and their families on the options available to them with the aid of helpful resources and an appendix outlining reimbursement mechanisms.