An ethical defence of the Liverpool Care Pathway.

Palliative care in the UK has been ranked as the best in the world. However, the Liverpool Care Pathway was criticised and phased out. This article looks at the LCP's aims, assesses the problems and how these should be tackled. Many of these problems stemmed not from the LCP itself, but its improper use. Better training on the pathway and on communication with patients and relatives could ensure it is used correctly.