title: When little can be done.
abstract: This article discusses problems that arise when the consultant encounters situations that he cannot influence decisively, e.g. chronic handicap, incurably progressive disease, and patients in the terminal phase of life.
authors.affiliation: University of Aberdeen.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Short
mesh_terms: D002908:Chronic Disease; D003253:Consultants; D006233:Persons with Disabilities; D006801:Humans; D010166:Palliative Care; D010819:Physician's Role; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D013727:Terminal Care