How close is too close

Many of us working in palliative care in rural communities may have had the experience of caring for a close fried through a terminal illness.

This presentation details such as experience, where the GP cares for his closest friend though the final 2 years of life. The presentation details the background and the case history, followed by an outline of the particular difficulties, emotional traumas and mistakes made as a result of the close friendship, and the rural community setting.

The difficulties of this case are balanced by the unique rewards and privilege gained by being involved with the delivery of palliative care of such a close friend.

This presentation (with photographic identification) is given with permission and support of the patient’s family.