Hospice Palliative Care
Book Reviews

Dr. Woodruff, MD
(Australia)

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EMERGING STRATEGIES for the TREATMENT of NEUROPATHIC PAIN

Campbell JN, Basbaum AI, Dubner R, Dworkin RH and Sang CN (eds.) 

IASP Press, 2006
514pp
ISBN 0-931092-61-2
RRP $US 80.00

The result of a five-day think-tank type conference in 2005 involving experts from academia and leaders from the pharmaceutical industry, this book represents both the state of the art of our knowledge about neuropathic pain and also a blueprint of what is to come. It is divided into four sections—Peripheral Nervous System Targets, Central Nervous System Targets, Disease-Specific Targets, and Measurement and New Technologies. Much of the material was written for the participants to read before the conference, and later revised. Also included are the rapporteur reports of the extensive discussions that were a feature of the meeting, providing insight into the way the experts are thinking about neuropathic pain.

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THE PHILOSOPY OF PALLIATIVE CARE. Critique and Reconstruction.

Fiona Randall and R.S. Downie

Oxford University Press, 2006
236pp
ISBN 0-19-856736-7
RRP £29.95, $US 57.50

If you asked a room full of palliative care physicians what they understood by the term ‘the palliative care approach’, you would likely have some lively discussion. Palliative care has evolved significantly since the philosophy was first enunciated by Dame Cicely Saunders, and in some countries ‘the palliative care approach’ is now being advocated for all end-of-life situations. Starting with the WHO definition, the authors of Palliative Care Ethics provide a detailed critique of the philosophy of palliative care—what it means, its internal consistency, the evidence for its effectiveness, and its general strengths and weaknesses. I think it is timely that we re-examine what it is that we do, which is what this interesting and thought-provoking book does.

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CEREMONIES FOR SPIRITUAL HEALING AND GROWTH

Henry Close

Haworth Press, 2006
155pp
0-7890-2905-7
RRP $US 19.95

This creative and original book offers a range of ceremonies that strive to celebrate life, to heal grief and suffering, and to address the isolation of personal trauma. Strongly Christian in tone, there are suggestions for both public ceremonies such as a wedding or a funeral, and more private and therapeutic opportunities to address the challenges of grief and loss, personal growth, and the forgiveness of oneself and others. Some of the more challenging ceremonies offer support for a variety of personal tragedies and griefs, and all seek to offer the individual the support of a caring and close community. All pastors, counsellors and those who work to support individuals and communities will welcome the resources offered within this book.

Roger Woodruff,
Director of Palliative Care, Austin Health,
Melbourne, Australia

Visit our new Hospice and Palliative Care Bookshop at:
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