Tidsskrift for den Norske lægeforening : tidsskrift for praktisk medicin, ny række
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Guidelines for palliative sedation to dying patients were issued by the Council for Medical Ethics of the Norwegian Medical Association in 2001. This study is a follow up of these guidelines. ⋯ Palliative sedation for dying patients is probably used infrequently in Norway, and not to hasten death. In the cases which we have registered, palliative sedation was given to patients in great discomfort.
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The aim of palliative medicine is the best possible quality of life. Based upon literature and clinical experience we address factors of importance for the meeting between the palliative patient and the physician. Family and network, personality and behaviour vary between palliative patients and have effect upon their coping; these factors should be reflected in the meeting between the physician and the patient. ⋯ The aim is to give patients as good and as long a time as possible in the place in which they want to spend the last part of their lives. Palliative medicine often combines the art of medicine with new technology. The focus on quality of life and the patient perspective is paramount, and the approach to the patient should reflect this.