Understanding the dying process

The study of death and dying has recently experienced an increase in both popularity and importance, as evidenced by the growing number of relevant books and articles. Advances in medical technology have given physicians the ability to postpone death temporarily, thereby prolonging the dying process. This medical achievement has resulted in obvious benefits, but it has also created a need for better understanding of and response to the dying process. Medical success in the form of 'heroic' treatment is no longer being valued above the patient's psychological needs.