The process of dying and managing the death event

The end of life often is viewed by physicians and health care personnel as a time when there is nothing left to do. Patients who receive a do not resuscitate status are viewed as requiring less care than patients receiving disease-altering treatments (unpublished data, 1995). The reality is there is much to do in the last days of a patient's life, and the intensity of care can rival that which occurs in intensive care units. It is imperative that physicians have training and skills in the care of the dying, particularly physicians that practice primary care medicine. Crucial as well is the ability to work as a team with other professionals, particularly nurses, social workers, and chaplains.