This chapter examines the clinical, ethical, and policy challenges of hospice and palliative care in the U.S. It presents the case of two patients who both needed and received palliative care. Both patients benefited from palliative care interventions but they had unequal access to formal hospice programs and each found some limitations to the degree of palliation and support they received during the periods of their illnesses. These cases illustrate the potential effectiveness of palliative care and show that the clinical, ethical, and policy dilemmas are complex and at times vexing, even...

This chapter examines the clinical, ethical, and policy challenges of hospice and palliative care in the U.S. It presents the case of two patients who both needed and received palliative care. Both patients benefited from palliative care interventions but they had unequal access to formal hospice programs and each found some limitations to the degree of palliation and support they received during the periods of their illnesses. These cases illustrate the potential effectiveness of palliative care and show that the clinical, ethical, and policy dilemmas are complex and at times vexing, even under the guidance of a skilled team of caregivers.