Canadian oncology nursing journal = Revue canadienne de nursing oncologique
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All terminally ill individuals should have access to palliative care that gives equal importance to all aspects of suffering. In spite of all the efforts made, some of these individuals will, unfortunately, be left with suffering described as "refractory". ⋯ There is much controversy around this practice, especially when it is used to alleviate suffering of a more existential nature. This article aims first to define the practice of palliative sedation, second to explore the concept of existential suffering in palliative care and third to address the implications for nursing practice.