The population in the UK is ageing, with increasing proportions living beyond 65 years of age. The epidemiology of diseases is shifting to more people dying of chronic as opposed to acute illnesses. It has been predicted that the number of people dying each year in the UK will rise by 17% in the next 20 years. Thus, there will be a rapidly increasing demand for provision of palliative care in the future. Much of this care will continue to be provided by the GP. This article specifically discusses the management of gastrointestinal symptoms in palliative care.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
BrueraE.ABC of palliative care. Anorexia, cachexia and nutrition. British Medical Journal (1997) 315 (7117): p. 1219–22.
2.
FallonM.O'NeillB.ABC of palliative care constipation and diarrhoea. British Medical Journal (1997) 315: p. 1293–6.
Pan-Glasgow Palliative Care Algorithm Group (2005) Palliation of nausea and vomiting. Pan-Glasgow Palliative care Algorithms Accessed via www.nhsgg.org.uk [date last accessed 23.10.2009].
SimonC.EverittH.van DorpF.Oxford handbook of general practice (3rd edition2009) Oxford: Oxford University Press ISBN: 0199236100.
12.
WatsonM.S.LucasC.F.HoyA.H.BackI.N.Oxford handbook of palliative care (2005) Oxford: Oxford University Press ISBN-10 0198508972.
13.
WoodruffR.DoyleD.The IAHPC manual of palliative care (2nd edition) IAHPC Press. ISBN: 0–9758525-1–5. Accessed via www.hospicecare.com/manual/IAHPCmanual.htm [date last accessed 23.10.2009].
