“Laughter is the best medicine”

A sense of humour and the ability to laugh at ourselves is an important element in our day to day existence. Why should it be different to our palliative care clients and their families?

Humour can be used to bridge gaps, diffuse situations and help our clients and their families face the day to day challenge of living with life threatening illness. But it not only helps our clients it can also help us the healthcare professionals that deal with death and loss every day.

This paper will explore the benefits of allowing humour into our work. I will illustrate from my clinical experience ways in which humour has not only helped palliative care clients and their families, but also me the "professional". The paper will be presented in an informal manner and participants will be encouraged to share their views and experiences.

I think that Groucho Marx sums up the benefit of humour in our clinical practice in the quote, "A clown is like an aspirin only he works twice as fast".