This National institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guideline is for Health and Social Care professionals caring for people who are dying. The document covers the clinical care of adults (18 years and over) who are dying during the last 2 to 3 days of life.

It aims to improve end of life care for people in their last days of life by communicating respectfully and involving them, and the people important to them, in decisions and by maintaining their comfort and dignity.

The guideline covers how to manage common symptoms without causing unacceptable side effects and maintain hydration in the last days of life.