Pallium Palliative Pocketbook

The third edition of the Pallium Palliative Pocketbook is here

The trusted clinical reference for palliative care, now with 50% more content

The third edition of the Pallium Palliative Pocketbook represents the most significant update in 10 years, with extensive new guidance on non-cancer illnesses and expanded coverage across care settings and populations, including pediatric and dementia care. The Pocketbook is a practical, peer-reviewed, one-stop resource that is intended to support safe, ethical, effective and accountable palliative care.

Its compact size and easily accessible information support the everyday practice of physicians, nurses, pharmacists, social workers, and medical students.

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What's new in the third edition

The third edition builds on previous editions with substantial updates that reflect how palliative care practice has evolved over the past decade. Content has been expanded, reorganized, and updated throughout to support clinical decision making across a wider range of conditions, disciplines, and care settings.

50% more content: Expanded guidance, broader clinical coverage, and new resources to support today’s evolving palliative care practice.

New chapters for today’s practice: Dedicated chapters on pediatrics, social care, and dementia reflect the expanding scope of palliative care, including the importance of culturally sensitive, person-centred approaches.

Expanded coverage of key conditions: New and expanded content on non-cancer illnesses, including heart, lung, kidney, liver, and neurological conditions, reflects the growing role of palliative care across disease groups.

Updated with current evidence: Revised throughout to reflect the latest evidence and best practices, providing practical guidance aligned with contemporary palliative care approaches.

Designed for point-of-care use: Organized in a practical, easy-to-navigate format that guides clinicians through essential palliative care principles, clinical challenges, and care decisions.

Developed by Canadian palliative care experts: Created by experienced clinicians, educators, and subject matter experts from across Canada.

Available formats

Now available: eBook edition

This is the electronic version of the Pocketbook — a comprehensive digital resource about palliative and end-of-life care designed for quick access wherever care is provided.

Pre-order: Hard copy edition

This is the printed version of the Pocketbook — a comprehensive clinical resource you can keep on hand for quick reference. Begins to ship the last week of July.

Last chance: Final second edition copies available

Select print copies of the second edition are available at a reduced price of 50% off while supplies last.

Please note that orders may take 5-10 business days to arrive.

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Topics covered

The third edition provides practical guidance across a broad range of palliative care topics, from core principles and symptom management to disease-specific care, psychosocial needs, and end-of-life care.

Access the Table of Contents for a comprehensive list of topics covered.

Principles of palliative care

Advance are planning and goals of care

Pain

Respiratory symptoms

Psychological care

Spiritual care, total suffering and dignity

Social care

Heart, lung, kidney, and liver diseases

Dementia

Pediatrics

Palliative care emergencies

And more

Authors, editors, contributors and reviewers

Editors and authors

Principal author and editor

Dr. José L Pereira, MBChB, CCFP (PC), MSc, FCFP, PhD: Professor, Faculty of Medicine and Institute for Culture and Society, University of Navarra, Spain; Scientific Advisor and Co-Founder, Pallium Canada

Co-editors and co-authors

Dr. Leonie Herx, MD, PhD, CHE, CCFP(PC), FCFP: Clinical Professor, Palliative Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Canada

Dr. Aynharan Sinnarajah, MD, MPH, CCFP(PC): Associate Professor, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen’s University, Canada; Dr. Gillian Gilchrist Chair in Palliative Care Research, Queen’s University and Lakeridge Health, Canada

Contributors

Chapter 18 Spiritual Care, Suffering, Hope, Compassion and Dignity and Chapter 19 Social Care in Palliative Care: Cynthia Wesley-Esquimaux, PhD, Chair, Truth and Reconciliation, Lakehead University
Chapter 20 Heart Diseases: Dr. Leah Steinberg, MD, MA, CFCP
Chapter 21 Lung Diseases: Dr. Rebecca Colman, MD, MSc, FRCPC
Chapter 22 Kidney Diseases: Dr. Allison Crombeen, MD, CCFP(PC), FRCPC and Dr. Valerie Schultz, MD FRCPC MPH
Chapter 23 Liver Diseases: Dr. Kathleen Milne, MD CCFP (PC)

Reviewers

Chapter 6 Advance Care Planning: Cheryl Spencer
Chapter 9 Pain: Dr. Serena Rix, BSc Pharmacy, MSc (PC), PharmD, and Samantha Gottschalk, PharmD, ACPR
Chapter 26 Pediatrics: Dr. Estee Grant, MD MSc FRCPC