“The majority of deaths in the United Kingdom occur after a period of chronic illness. During this time people often require ongoing care which may include end of life care. It helps them to live as well as possible until they die. It also includes support for their family or carers. A person is ‘approaching the end of life’ when they are likely to die within the next 12 months.” (RCN, 2015, Getting it right every time). Use this guide to find information resources about end of life care including books, journal articles and reports.
Royal College of Nursing (2016) When someone asks for your assistance to die: RCN guidance on responding to a request to hasten death.
Department of Health (2017) The route to success in end of life care in acute hospitals your guide. London: DH.
Nicol J (2017) Palliative and end of life care in nursing, London: Sage.
View articles from the RCN news pages relating to end of life care:
Social Care Institute for Excellence (2014) and palliative care: Thinking about the words we use, Great Britain: Social Care TV (video).
Author of this guide
RCN Library and Archive Services
Page last updated - 06/07/2018