Citation

Bub B. Explore (NY) 2007; 3(4): 413-416.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.explore.2007.05.012

PMID

17681265

Abstract

The reality and prevalence of suicide presents us with myriad questions and levels of concern. What does the dying person do in the face of seemingly endless adversity, loss, fear of abandonment, disfigurement, dependence, and/or unmitigated pain? Everyone working in end-of-life palliative care keeps these very concerns foremost in heart and mind. Yet how can providers process the unfinished spiritual and emotional business that remains when one of our former patients indeed nosedives into Jobian loss and makes the ultimate decision? This dilemma has been a constant companion in the end-of-life terrain, and our guest author Dr Barry Bub brings a wealth of insight into the healing power of authentic emotion in his narrative about the death of the gourmet chef named Ben.

Language: en

Keywords

Attitude to Death; Empathy; Euthanasia; Humans; Patient Rights; Professional-Patient Relations; Quality of Life; Right to Die; Terminal Care