Substance misuse.
This literature review concerned the end of life care needs of patients with drug and alcohol addiction, particularly in the UK, and to identify existing good practice guidance. Three themes emerged: » The need to improve recognition of substance misuse in patients receiving palliative care, and to meet the challenges palliative care teams face when caring for patients who have current or past opiate, benzodiazepine or alcohol addictions. » A lack of UK literature addressing the end of life care needs of patients with drug and alcohol addiction. There are articles in the US literature concerning a family-systems approach to the care of dying patients who have misused substances, and the role of social workers and counsellors in the care of dying patients receiving opiate-substitution treatment. » Inequitable access to end of life and palliative care services for homeless people, many of whom are addicted to substances or alcohol.