By Felicity Dewhurst, Polly Edmonds, Suzie Gillon, Amy Hawkins, Mary Miller, Sarah Yardley

Palliative care has evolved rapidly in recent years. Not only is the field dealing with an increasingly elderly and multi-morbid population, it is also addressing a wider variety of complex diagnoses such as heart failure, renal failure, advanced lung disease, frailty, and dementia. Challenging Cases in Palliative Care is unique, as it uses examples of real-world cases from palliative care practices. It also includes expert commentary to support modern clinicians in managing the 'messiness' of clinical care, as well as the increasingly complex needs of patients today. As part of our Challenging Cases series, the cases in this book not only cover a range of physical and psychosocial problems seen in palliative care, they also reflect the core curriculum for UK speciality trainees. Each case brings together expert interpretation of the available evidence, management strategies, guidelines and best practice, while discussing complexities in clinical decision-making and controversies in approach.