The fourth edition of this bestselling, highly acclaimed book has been fully revised to reflect changes in the law and clinical guidelines that have a significant impact on patient care. Expanded throughout, this new edition also includes two brand new chapters on testamentary capacity and the role of the doctor, as well as religious beliefs and end-of-life issues. Its practical, reflective and informative approach makes it essential reading for all healthcare professionals, particularly trainees, involved in making difficult decisions about the care of older people. This book combines a primer for the novice with advanced reasoning for the expert, both readers are guided through a series of very authentic case studies. The novice can learn about the basic elements of current law or look at practical principles for assessing capacity or quality of life. The expert can think of clinical scenarios where there are no right answers and everything is random.
