This is the fourth book in a series devoted to research and practice i n palliative care. This rapidly evolving field focuses on the manageme nt of phenomena that produce discomfort and that undermine the quality of life of patients with incurable medical disorders. To highlight th e diversity in this field, each volume is divided into sections that a ddress a range of issues. Various sections discuss aspects of symptom control, psyshosocial functioning, spiritual or existential concerns, ethics, and other topics. The 4 sections in this volume are Survial Es timation in Palliative Care, Education and Training in Palliative Care, Procoagulant and Anticoagulant Therapy in Palliative Care, and Issue s in the Assessment and Management of Common Symptoms. The authors pre sent and evaluate existing data, provide a context drawn from both the clinic and research, and integrate knowledge in a manner that is both practical and readable.