This book investigates the complex ethical dilemmas inherent in the provision of palliative care as it transitions from specialized hospice settings into general medical practice. Authors Fiona Randall and R. S. Downie, both established experts in medical ethics and clinical practice, utilize a framework of moral philosophy to critique standard procedures. They argue that traditional medical doctrines often fail to address the unique needs of the terminally ill, necessitating a more nuanced ethical approach.

Experts in the field of bioethics frequently cite this work as a foundational text for understanding the moral complexities of end-of-life care. Readers often note the academic density of the prose, which is tailored primarily for medical professionals and students of ethics.