The healthcare professional’s encounter with the seriously ill and dying patient in the hospital

Seriously ill patients often fear not death but dying in pain and solitude. This review emphasises setting treatment ceilings and prioritising palliation over unnecessary interventions. Such discussions are best held in calm settings but can be challenging in acute situations. Effective care addresses the physical, psychological, social, and existential needs of individuals. Family members play a key role and require clear communication and empathy. Pharmacological relief primarily includes opioids and benzodiazepines, aiming to ensure a dignified end of life and support for loved ones.