[The hospice movement and palliative medicine]

Palliative medicine is the care of patients with an incurable disease. It includes aspects of the physical, psychological, social and spiritual welfare of the patient. In this connection the quality of life has priority over a prolongation if this entails suffering. All decisions are taken with the patient's and his family's consent. The risk of shortening life by applying necessary medication should not be a deterrent. Training and ongoing education for physicians, more hospice beds and guaranteed finances are needed.