A welcome focus on a key relationship. Using Peplau's model in palliative care.

1. Nurses involved in an area of nursing where the nurse-patient relationship is significant would be well advised to review Peplau's work. 2. Peplau sees this relationship as a dynamic one and identifies four phases which interlock and overlap. 3. A significant similarity between the writings of Peplau, Murray Parks and Kubler Ross is the acceptance that the patient/relatives go through a process which has recognisable parts and that nurses can have a significant influence on whether it is a positive or negative experience.