This book addresses key questions about the need for palliative care, the current provision of services and the evidence for the effectiveness of a range of alternative models of organisation in pallitaive care. A broad approach is taken to include the needs of both cancer patients and patients with other terminal diseases and the relationship between palliative care and other aspects of health care services. The book is based on a comprehensive and detailed review of the international scientific literature on evaluation of palliative care, providing an essential evidence base for policy decisions.