[The dying patient]

It is important for dying patients that their doctors are trained to diagnose that death is near. Typical clinical signs of impending death are described: the patient is bedbound, semicomatose, only able to take sips of fluid and no longer able to take oral drugs. Care of the dying is exclusively focused on palliation. A limited number of drugs are needed to ensure alleviation of symptoms during the last days of life. The drugs can all be administered by subcutaneous route. Clinical guidelines promote structuring optimal care for the dying. Home death is desired by many patients but so far only achieved by a minority.