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I don't understand why there is suddenly a "vacuum in palliative care" since the LCP was abolished. An experienced clinician doesn't need a 30 page paper protocol to embrace the principles of the LCP. In my clinical practice I would discuss in length the issues with the patient and relatives (and would be available for the inevitable upcoming questions as things progress), would write up analgesia, sedatives, antiemetics, antisecretory drugs etc. on the prn side, would tell the nurses to stop doing observations and would let them get on with what they do best, delivering excellent and compassionate care. In short, I would keep doing what I have always done, but just wouldn't call it "LCP".
Re: Palliative medicine must accept responsibility for end of life care
I don't understand why there is suddenly a "vacuum in palliative care" since the LCP was abolished. An experienced clinician doesn't need a 30 page paper protocol to embrace the principles of the LCP. In my clinical practice I would discuss in length the issues with the patient and relatives (and would be available for the inevitable upcoming questions as things progress), would write up analgesia, sedatives, antiemetics, antisecretory drugs etc. on the prn side, would tell the nurses to stop doing observations and would let them get on with what they do best, delivering excellent and compassionate care. In short, I would keep doing what I have always done, but just wouldn't call it "LCP".
Competing interests: No competing interests