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pubmed:abstractText |
According to the WHO definition, palliative care does not end with the death of the patient, but also includes supporting the family members in dealing with the loss. A recent article refers to the importance of physicians writing letters of condolences. The letter of condolences marks the end of the treatment relationship. Writing such a letter can assist the physician in distancing him/herself from the death of his/her patient, and the letter can also help the family adjust to life without the deceased patient. The letter can also remove any distrust that may exist towards the medical profession. Reasons for not writing a letter of condolences include an own feeling of failure, administrative difficulties, indifference or incapacity. Nevertheless, writing a letter of condolences is an integral part of the care provided by the physician to the patient and his/her relatives.
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