When the time comes, personal, spiritual, and emotional leave-taking need surroundings of serenity, which are not to be found in the highly charged atmosphere of a bustling modern hospital. They also need a decision by all concerned that further efforts at rescue should not be attempted. This may require forceful determination on the part of patient and family; a careful and informed use of advance directives; referral to the expert care of a hospice unit; the services of physicians and nurses skilled in palliative care; the intercession of an advocate; or the presence of a humane and empathic
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This passage summarizes the most valuable lessons that the athor has learnt.
