What to do when your best friend is dying? 3 ways to comfort someone who is dying

Each year, approximately 56 million people worldwide pass away, meaning hundreds of millions of relatives and friends have to face loss and the final days of their loved ones. For many, comforting someone who is dying or accompanying a dying close friend is a painful experience, leaving them confused about what to say or do to avoid upsetting the person further.

If you are looking for ways to care for someone who is terminally ill, spend meaningful time with your close friend in their final days, or want to know how to comfort someone who is dying with sincerity instead of empty words of encouragement, this article will help you. Tiptory will share simple, practical, and empathetic ways for you to bring peace, warmth, and a feeling of being loved to your dying close friend, while also helping you become stronger when facing this challenging period.

Method 1: Coping when you learn your close friend is dying

Step 1: Understand your friend's illness

Understand your friend's illness thoroughly

• When you learn that a friend has a serious illness or is in its final stages, feelings of shock, sadness, or confusion are completely normal. However, taking the time to learn about the illness will help you remain calm and know how to care for someone who is terminally ill appropriately.
• Learn about the causes of the illness, common symptoms, progression, treatment methods, and physical and mental changes that the patient may experience in their final stage of life. This will help you prepare mentally and support them better.
• Prioritize consulting information from reputable medical sources such as national health authorities, major hospitals, research organizations, or specialized associations. These sources often provide verified knowledge, helping you avoid misinformation on social media or unreliable forums.
• If there's anything you don't understand, don't hesitate to speak with doctors or the palliative care team. They can clearly explain the current condition, prognosis, and what family and friends need to prepare to care for someone who is terminally ill more effectively.

Understand what your friend will go through in the coming time

• Each illness progresses differently, but those in the final stages often experience fatigue, pain, reduced mobility, loss of appetite, or emotional changes. Understanding these in advance will help you avoid being overly flustered when accompanying them.
• Knowing the common signs at each stage also helps you choose appropriate ways to comfort someone who is dying, knowing when to listen, when to offer practical support, or simply when to be by their side so they feel loved.
• Once you understand the illness and the end-of-life care process better, you will feel more confident in accompanying your dying close friend, helping their remaining time be more peaceful, meaningful, and fulfilling for both of you.

Step 2: Cope with emotions correctly

Accept and face your own emotions

• When you learn that your close friend is dying, you may experience various emotions such as sadness, anxiety, anger, regret, or helplessness. These are all natural psychological reactions when facing loss.
• Instead of trying to suppress or deny your emotions, allow yourself to be sad and accept what you are going through. Acknowledging your feelings will help you maintain composure to comfort someone who is dying with sincerity and understanding.

Find healthy ways to release emotions

• Share your thoughts with trusted family, friends, or those who have experienced similar situations. Listening and empathy can help relieve mental pressure.
• If feelings of sorrow persist and affect your sleep, work, or daily life, consider seeking help from a psychologist or counselor. This is a positive choice for mental health care.
• You can also release emotions through activities such as journaling, reading, listening to music, drawing, gardening, or exercising. These activities help reduce stress and support emotional balance during difficult times.

Share your emotions with your friend in moderation

• It's perfectly acceptable to tell your ill friend that you feel sad or anxious. Sincerity will help both of you understand each other better and lead to meaningful conversations.
• However, avoid letting your emotions become a burden that makes them worry about you in return. Your goal is to offer encouragement and companionship, rather than making them feel responsible for comforting you.

Be compassionate to yourself

• In the journey of caring for someone who is terminally ill, there will be days when you feel strong, but also times when you are exhausted or lost. That is completely normal.
• Get enough sleep, eat well, rest when needed, and don't blame yourself if sometimes you can't do everything perfectly. When you take care of yourself, you will have more energy to continue to comfort someone who is dying and accompany your dying close friend with patience, peace, and love.

Step 3: Help share the news delicately

Offer to help inform family and friends

• When they learn they have a serious illness or are in the final stage of life, many people find it very difficult to inform others themselves. If appropriate, proactively ask if they would like your help in sharing the information with family, friends, or colleagues.
• Helping to convey the information can reduce mental pressure on the patient and allow them more time for rest and caring for someone who is terminally ill.

Respect the patient's right to decide

• If your friend declines help or is not ready for others to know about their health condition, please respect that choice. Each person has a different way of coping with illness and sharing information.
• Do not pressure or coerce them to disclose their illness if they are not ready. Respecting their privacy is also a way to comfort someone who is dying and help them feel they still have control over their life.

Encourage them to share when they are ready

• If you notice that keeping the information private causes them additional stress or prevents them from receiving necessary support, gently express your perspective. For example: "I think everyone would want to be there and help you. But the decision is entirely yours."
• A gentle, non-judgmental approach will help the patient feel respected and more likely to consider it.

Do not disclose personal information without permission

• Only share your dying close friend's condition with their explicit consent. This is a crucial principle to protect privacy and maintain trust between the two of you.
• If they agree, ask clearly who is allowed to know, the level of information that can be shared, and how they would like people to be informed. This helps you comfort someone who is dying and support them appropriately, delicately, and respectfully of their personal wishes.

Step 4: Join a support group

Seek empathy from others in similar situations

• Accompanying your dying close friend can make you feel lonely, stressed, and emotionally exhausted. Joining a support group will help you meet people who have gone through or are going through similar circumstances.
• People in these groups often understand the feelings of loss, anxiety, and regret you are facing. They can share practical experiences, listen without judgment, and help you feel that you don't have to go through this stage alone.

Learn from experiences to better care for the patient

• Support groups not only help relieve emotions but also provide many useful tips on how to care for someone who is terminally ill, communicate with the patient, and mentally prepare for changes in the final stage of life.
• Listening to others' experiences can help you learn how to comfort someone who is dying with calmness, sincerity, and appropriateness for each situation.

Prioritize choosing reputable support groups

• Look for support groups organized by hospitals, palliative care centers, medical organizations, or associations specializing in your friend's illness. These entities often involve doctors, nurses, psychologists, or social workers.
• If there are no in-person groups in your area, you can join online support communities managed by reputable organizations. This is also a convenient way to receive accurate information and timely support.

Don't hesitate to seek help

• Participating in a support group does not mean you are weak or incapable of overcoming difficulties. On the contrary, it is a proactive way to take care of your mental health so that you have more strength to accompany your dying close friend.
• When you are listened to, shared with, and empowered, you will also have more energy to comfort someone who is dying, support the patient, and be fully present with them in their remaining days.

Method 2: Be present and talk with someone who is dying

Step 1: Be with your friend in every moment

Spend time with your friend

• The most precious thing you can give your dying close friend is not perfect words, but sincere presence. Simply being there, listening, and spending time with them is enough for them to feel loved and not face illness alone.
• Don't feel pressured to always know how to comfort someone who is dying. Sometimes, a handhold, an encouraging look, or a silent, empathetic presence can mean more than any advice.

Listen more than trying to speak beautifully

• Let your friend share their feelings, worries, or whatever they want to say when they are ready. You don't need to try every method to make them happy or offer solutions to every problem.
• Show your care by listening attentively, respecting their emotions, and avoiding interruptions or invalidating what they are going through. This is one of the ways to comfort someone who is dying recommended by palliative care experts.

Maintain normal moments if health allows

• If the patient is still healthy enough, continue to treat them as a close friend rather than just seeing them as a patient.
• You can eat a light meal together, chat, watch movies, read books, study, play board games, or engage in activities you both enjoy. These simple moments help the patient feel that life still holds joy and meaning.
• Choose activities that are suitable for their current physical condition, avoiding anything that might tire them out or overexert them.

Respect the patient's health and wishes

• During the process of caring for someone who is terminally ill, there will be days when they want to talk a lot, but also times when they just want to rest or be in a quiet space.
• Observe for signs of fatigue and ask for their opinion before staying long or organizing any activities. Respecting their need for rest is also a way to show care and love.

Turn time together into beautiful memories

• You can reminisce with your dying friend about memorable moments, look at old photos, listen to favorite songs, or tell funny stories you shared.
• These simple but sincere moments not only help comfort the dying person but also leave behind beautiful memories, helping both of you appreciate the value of friendship in their final days.

Step 2: Respect your friend's wishes

Let your friend lead the conversation

• Everyone faces illness and their final days differently. So, instead of guessing what they need, let your dying friend take the lead in sharing what they want to say and deciding on topics they feel comfortable with.
• Some people want to talk about their illness, unfinished plans, or death, while others just want to chat about everyday life. Whatever their choice, respect it and follow their pace.

Listen and adjust the conversation appropriately

• If your friend is trying to stay positive, respond with a positive and natural attitude. This doesn't mean you have to pretend everything is fine, but rather help them maintain a pleasant atmosphere if that's what they wish for.
• You can also gently ask: "Do you want to talk about what you're going through?" If they don't, don't press them. Instead, ask: "What can I do to help you right now?" This is often how to comfort someone who is dying and make them feel more respected.

Don't force them to talk about death

• Not everyone with a terminal illness is ready to accept or discuss death. Some need more time to adjust to reality, while others prefer to focus on the present rather than the future.
• Avoid pressuring them to express emotions or confront topics they are not ready for. Patience and respect will help them feel safer with you.

Accompany them according to their needs

• During the process of caring for someone who is dying, the patient's needs and emotions can change daily. Sometimes they want to talk a lot, but other times they just want to rest or sit in silence.
• Be flexible and adjust your support according to their wishes, rather than your own expectations. Being present at the right time and in the right way is often more valuable than long advice.

Encourage them to seek additional support when needed

• If you notice your dying friend is consistently in a state of despair, anxiety, or having difficulty accepting their illness, gently encourage them to speak with a doctor, palliative care specialist, or psychologist.
• In addition to comforting the dying person, support from medical teams and specialists can help the patient better manage physical symptoms, reduce mental stress, and improve their quality of life in the final stage.

Step 3: Don't avoid the topic of passing away

Talk about death when the patient is ready

• Many people believe that avoiding the topic of death will make the patient less sad. However, if your dying friend wants to share what they are facing, avoiding it can make them feel lonely or misunderstood.
• Let them know that you are willing to listen and be there for them, whether the conversation revolves around hope, fear, or unfinished plans. This is a way to comfort someone who is dying with sincerity and respect for their emotions.

Use language that suits the patient's wishes

• Everyone has a different way of talking about death. Some are comfortable using words like "passing away" or "death," while others feel more at ease with expressions like "leaving," "going to another place," or "ending the journey."
• Listen to how they express themselves and use similar language in your conversation. This helps the patient feel respected and more open.

Listen more than you try to answer

• When the patient shares their worries, regrets, or wishes in their final stages, you don't need to try to find a perfect answer.
• Sometimes, simply saying things like: "I'm here with you," "Thank you for sharing with me," or "I'll always be with you" is enough to make them feel loved.
• In the process of caring for someone who is dying, presence and the ability to listen often provide more value than empty words of encouragement.

Don't force yourself if you're not ready either

• Not everyone feels comfortable talking about death. If you yourself feel anxious, scared, or find it difficult to open up, that's completely normal.
• Before talking to your dying friend, you can share your feelings with family, a therapist, or a trusted friend to prepare yourself emotionally and learn how to communicate appropriately.

Respect both your feelings

• If the patient doesn't want to talk about death, respect their decision and switch to topics that make them feel more at ease. Conversely, if they actively bring up passing away, listen patiently without interrupting or quickly changing the subject.
• This flexible approach will help comfort the dying person more effectively, while creating a safe space for both of you to share what truly matters in the time remaining.

Step 4: Avoid cliché comforts

Don't use unrealistic words of encouragement

• When your dying friend is nearing the end, familiar phrases like "Everything will be okay," "Perhaps everything happens for a reason," or "You'll be well soon" often don't provide the comfort you intend.
• Patients are often well aware of their condition. Reassurances that are not aligned with reality can make them feel misunderstood or reluctant to share their true feelings.
• Instead, be honest but gentle. You can say: "I'm so sorry you're going through this," or "I'll be there for you whenever you need me." These are more sincere and empathetic ways to comfort someone who is dying.

Prioritize listening rather than trying to find the perfect words

• You don't always need to know exactly what to say. Sometimes, simply sitting by them, listening, and giving them your full attention is incredibly meaningful support.
• If you don't know how to start, gently ask: "Do you want to share how you're feeling?" or "How are you feeling today?" Open-ended questions will help them express their thoughts more easily if they wish.

Don't rush to say you fully understand their feelings

• Avoid phrases like: "I understand how you're feeling." In reality, everyone experiences pain and copes with illness differently.
• Instead of claiming to understand everything, show empathy with phrases like: "I can't imagine everything you're going through, but I'm always here to listen." This way of speaking helps the patient feel more respected.

Show sincerity through actions

• In the process of caring for someone who is dying, care is not only expressed through words but also through small actions like sitting next to them, holding their hand, helping them rest, or assisting with daily tasks.
• These simple but sincere actions often bring more peace and security than formulaic words of encouragement.

Accompany them rather than trying to fix their emotions

• You are not responsible for making the patient stop being sad or scared. What they often need most is someone willing to be there, listen, and accept their feelings without judgment.
• When choosing how to comfort someone who is dying, remember that genuine presence, respectful attitude, and the ability to listen are always more valuable than promises or unrealistic optimism. This also helps your dying friend feel love and companionship in their final days.

Step 5: Be patient with your emotions

Understand that the patient's emotions can be volatile

• When facing a serious illness or the end of life, your dying friend may experience many emotions such as fear, anger, disappointment, sadness, or despair. These emotions can sometimes make them say or do things unlike their usual self.
• Remember that these reactions often stem from physical and mental pressure, not because they no longer value your friendship or your care.

Don't take offense if they refuse or get irritable

• There are times when the patient refuses help, wants to be alone, or reacts negatively to those around them. That doesn't mean they don't need you.
• Instead of reacting harshly or arguing, stay calm, give them time, and continue to show that you are always ready to be there when they need you. This is a way to comfort someone who is dying with patience and respect.

Respond with sincerity instead of arguing

• Sometimes the patient may say things stemming from fear or feeling like a burden, such as: "Everyone will probably be relieved when I'm gone."
• Instead of denying their feelings or arguing, gently affirm your affection. You can say: "I cherish every moment I have with you," or "I don't want to lose you, and I'll always be here with you." Sincere words often bring more value than unrealistic reassurances.

Manage your own emotions

• If you feel hurt, angry, or sad after a conversation, allow yourself time to calm down before continuing to support the patient.
• You can share your feelings with family, a therapist, or a trusted friend instead of venting your frustration on the ill person. This also helps you maintain stability in the process of caring for someone who is dying.

Accompany them with compassion

• No one can always remain calm when facing illness and death. Therefore, empathy and compassion will help both you and the patient reduce pressure in their final days.
• When choosing how to comfort someone who is dying, focus on love, presence, and the remaining moments with your dying friend. That is often the most meaningful gift you can give them.

Step 6: Say what's important today

Don't wait until the last minute to express your feelings

• When your dying friend is nearing the end, many people often think they still have plenty of time to say important things. However, the course of illness can change faster than expected, so don't delay the words you truly want to convey.
• If you want to say thank you, apologize, encourage, or express affection, do so while you both still have the opportunity to talk. Sincere words can bring peace and help the patient feel loved.

Share what comes from the heart

• You don't need to prepare overly elaborate phrases. Sincerity is always more valuable than fancy words.
• You can say simple things like:
  • "I'm so grateful to have you in my life."
  • "Thank you for the beautiful memories we've shared."
  • "I will always cherish our friendship."
• These are ways to comfort someone who is dying, helping them feel their self-worth and the love from their loved ones.

Create more meaningful memories together

• Beyond words, spend time doing things they love with your dying best friend if their health allows, such as looking at old photos, listening to a familiar song, enjoying their favorite food, or simply sitting and talking.
• These seemingly simple moments often become precious memories for both the patient and those left behind.

Every goodbye should be complete

• After each visit, be aware that it might be the last time you see each other. This is not meant to make you afraid, but to remind you to cherish every encounter.
• Before leaving, offer a greeting, a hug, a handshake, or a loving word if you both feel comfortable. These small gestures can bring warmth and help the patient feel accompanied.

Cherish every remaining moment

• In the process of caring for someone who is dying, it's not about how many big things you do, but about being present at the right time and giving them genuine attention.
• When choosing how to comfort someone who is dying, focus on the present instead of regretting the past or worrying too much about the future. Your presence, loving words, and time spent with your dying best friend will be an invaluable gift to both of you.

Method 3: Things to prepare for someone who is dying

Step 1: Help your friend understand the illness

Support the patient in accessing accurate information

• When newly diagnosed with a serious or terminal illness, many people often fall into a state of shock, anxiety, and have difficulty absorbing a large amount of medical information. This is when your companionship means a lot.
• Help your dying best friend learn about the illness, treatment methods, palliative care, and appropriate support options. Having full information will help them feel more proactive when making decisions related to their health.

Prioritize reliable medical information sources

• Encourage the patient to consult information from their treating doctor, hospital, health authority, or reputable medical associations. These sources are often evidence-based and regularly updated.
• Limit believing unverified articles or videos, especially content advertising complete cures or treatments lacking scientific basis.

Accompany them to medical appointments

• If the patient agrees, you can accompany them to appointments or consultations with the doctor. Having another person listen will help retain information more fully and reduce pressure on the patient.
• You can also take notes of important details or reiterate the doctor's instructions after the appointment to avoid missing information.

Prepare questions before seeing the doctor

• Before each visit, help the patient make a list of concerns. Some questions might include:
  • What stage is the disease in?
  • What are the goals of the current treatment?
  • What side effects should be noted?
  • How can pain be reduced or quality of life improved?
  • How should family and loved ones care for someone who is dying?
• Preparing questions in advance will help the consultation be more effective and assist the patient in making appropriate decisions.

Help them make decisions proactively

• Your role is to support the patient in accessing information and understanding treatment options, not to make decisions for them.
• Respect the wishes, values, and personal choices of your dying best friend, even if their decision differs from your own. Listening, accompanying, and comforting someone who is dying with respect will help them feel more at ease during their treatment journey and caring for someone who is dying.

Step 2: Support with daily tasks

Proactively offer help instead of waiting to be asked

• When seriously ill, many people hesitate to ask for help because they fear bothering others or feel like a burden. Therefore, instead of waiting for them to ask, proactively inquire and offer support.
• This is one of the most practical ways to care for someone who is dying, helping the patient reduce pressure to focus on rest and treatment.

Assist with daily chores

• Depending on the patient's needs and health condition, you can help them with tasks such as:
  • Going grocery shopping or picking up prescriptions.
  • Preparing meals according to their diet.
  • Taking children to school or helping with childcare.
  • Cleaning the house, doing laundry, or caring for pets.
  • Taking the patient to the hospital or assisting with follow-up appointments.
• These small tasks can make a huge difference to your dying best friend and their family.

Offer specific suggestions

• Instead of just asking, "How can I help you?", offer clear suggestions to make it easier for the patient to choose.
• For example:
  • "I'm going to the supermarket this afternoon, can I get you anything?"
  • "Can I take you to your appointment tomorrow?"
  • "I'll come over this weekend and cook a few meals so you don't have to."
• Specific offers often help the patient feel more comfortable accepting help.

Accompany them with simple things

• Not all support involves grand gestures. Sometimes, what the patient needs most is just someone to be there.
• You can do the following with your dying best friend:
  • Sit and talk or listen to them share.
  • Listen to their favorite songs.
  • Read books or newspapers to them.
  • Pray or meditate if it aligns with their beliefs.
  • Sing songs that hold many memories for them.
• These gentle activities help the patient relax, reduce feelings of loneliness, and are a meaningful way to comfort someone who is dying.

Respect the patient's needs and health

• Before offering help, always ask if they truly want support. Some days they may want to talk, while other times they just need quiet rest.
• When caring for someone who is dying, it's important to support their needs, not impose your own wishes. The right care at the right time will help your dying best friend feel loved, respected, and at peace in their remaining days.

Step 3: Accompany your friend's family

Care for those who are caring for the patient

• When someone has a terminal illness, not only they but also their family and close friends face emotional, physical, and financial pressure. Therefore, in addition to comforting someone who is dying, pay attention to those who are accompanying them.
• A word of inquiry, a listening ear, or a small act of support can help the patient's loved ones feel shared with and less lonely during this difficult time.

Proactively share daily tasks

• Primary caregivers often spend a lot of time at the hospital or with the patient, making it difficult for them to balance their personal lives. You can proactively help with tasks such as:
  • Buying groceries, medicine, or necessities.
  • Cooking or preparing meals for the family.
  • Taking children to school or helping with childcare.
  • Cleaning the house or doing some chores.
  • Taking loved ones to appointments or taking turns caring for the patient so they can rest.
• These practical supports will help the family have more time and energy to care for someone who is dying.

Listen and encourage the patient's family

• Family members often try to be strong in front of the patient but silently bear a lot of pressure. Create opportunities for them to share their feelings without fear of judgment.
• Sometimes, what they need is not advice, but just someone willing to listen and understand.

Encourage everyone to coordinate care

• The task of caring for someone who is dying will be lighter if shared among family members, friends, and close ones.
• If possible, work with everyone to divide tasks such as taking the patient to appointments, preparing meals, taking turns caring for them, or assisting with necessary procedures. This coordination helps reduce pressure on one person and ensures the patient always receives attentive care.

Build a support network for the patient

• When many people work together, your dying best friend will feel the love and care from those around them. This can bring a sense of peace, reduce loneliness, and improve quality of life during the final stage.
• Supporting the family is also an important part of comforting someone who is dying. When caregivers get rest and receive help, they will have more health, spirit, and time to accompany the patient more fully.

Step 4: Help your friend preserve meaningful things

Respect the desire to leave behind something meaningful

• Many people, when they know their time is limited, often wish to leave something behind for their family, friends, or loved ones. This is a natural psychological need that helps them feel their life still has value and will be remembered.
• If your dying friend expresses this wish, listen and ask how you can support them. Helping them fulfill small wishes is also a meaningful way to comfort someone who is dying.

Help them preserve messages of love

• If the patient wishes, you can help them:
  • Write letters to family or friends.
  • Record messages, thank-you notes, or wishes for their loved ones.
  • Record audio or video to preserve their final messages.
  • Prepare a scrapbook or photo album to commemorate memorable moments.
• These mementos can become a great source of emotional support for the family later on.

Record their life stories

• Many people want to talk about their childhood, memorable experiences, life lessons, or their proudest achievements, but no longer have the strength to write them down themselves.
• In such cases, you can sit and listen, taking notes or recording their stories. This not only helps preserve memories but also makes the patient feel that their life is valued and heard.

Support them in fulfilling appropriate wishes

• In addition to writing or recording memories, patients may wish to do some simple things such as:
  • Reunite with a long-lost relative or friend.
  • Give away meaningful items.
  • Prepare a gift for their child or grandchild.
  • Maintain a family tradition they always cherished.
• If these wishes are feasible and align with the patient's health, try to help them fulfill them.

Let the patient decide

• Not everyone wants to leave letters, videos, or final messages. Some simply wish to live peacefully with their family during their remaining time.
• Therefore, when caring for someone who is dying, respect their wishes and choices. Don't create pressure that makes them feel they must do something to "be remembered."

Turn their remaining days into beautiful memories

• The most meaningful legacy isn't necessarily a letter or a gift, but rather sincere conversations, laughter, forgiveness, or loving moments shared together.
• When you accompany them with understanding and sincerity, your dying friend will feel that their life has left beautiful imprints on the hearts of those who remain. That is also the greatest value of comforting someone who is dying and caring for someone who is dying.

References

1. American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine. Palliative Care. Chicago, IL: American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine.
2. National Institute on Aging. Providing Comfort at the End of Life. Bethesda, MD: National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health.
3. National Institute on Aging. End of Life: Helping with Comfort and Care. Bethesda, MD: National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health.
4. World Health Organization. Palliative Care. Geneva: World Health Organization.
5. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Caregiving for Family and Friends. Atlanta, GA: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
6. National Cancer Institute. Advanced Cancer Care Planning. Bethesda, MD: National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health.
7. American Cancer Society. Coping with Advanced Cancer. Atlanta, GA: American Cancer Society.
8. Hospice Foundation of America. Hospice and End-of-Life Care. Washington, DC: Hospice Foundation of America.
9. National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization. CaringInfo: End-of-Life Care Resources. Alexandria, VA: National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization.
10. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Care of Dying Adults in the Last Days of Life (NG31). London: National Institute for Health and Care Excellence.
11. Marie Curie. Emotional Support for People Living with a Terminal Illness. London: Marie Curie.
12. European Association for Palliative Care. White Paper on Standards and Norms for Hospice and Palliative Care in Europe. Milan: European Association for Palliative Care.
13. Ferrell, B. R., & Coyle, N. Oxford Textbook of Palliative Nursing. 5th ed. New York, NY: Oxford University Press.
14. Cherny, N. I., Fallon, M., Kaasa, S., Portenoy, R. K., & Currow, D. C., eds. Oxford Textbook of Palliative Medicine. 6th ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
15. Back, A. L., Arnold, R. M., & Tulsky, J. A. Mastering Communication with Seriously Ill Patients: Balancing Honesty with Empathy and Hope. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Content edited by: Rowan Hudson Le.

Information reviewed and verified by expert: Ava Anderson.