The Hospice Companion is an evidence-based handbook meant to guide hospice teams in the assessment and management of common problems, situations, conditions, and symptoms encountered in the care of advanced illness patients and their families. It addresses and integrates the practical, biomedical, social, and spiritual issues typically experienced in day-to-day management. It also includes guidance on conducting team meetings, how to structure care, and proper documentation. Chapters conclude with listings of contemporary references from peer-review literature sources for additional reading. Appendices provide more detailed information on several topics, such as advanced pain control techniques, including ketamine and lidocaine infusion protocols. This book is meant for real-time use, both during team meetings and “at the bedside.” The material in this book will also be helpful to those in other related disciplines, including palliative care, hospitalist practice, geriatrics, emergency medicine, and intensive care.