"The study of the 'end of life' has become a major focus in medicine, nursing, the social sciences, and religion. This volume brings together the latest research on issues around death and dying, life's attributes as it nears death, planning and preparation for death, and care and intervention-related issues. The evidence-based findings of ethics in the case of dying reported in this volume will help shape how we approach the topic for years to come."--contained in front cover