A Good Death

Abstract

While death is surely inevitable, the timing and circumstances of our deaths may vary widely and are likely to be negotiable in response to the changing needs of patients and families for physical, emotional and spiritual support as their diseases and illnesses evolve. Patients and families need to become aware of specific care options and supports that are available for them so they can be accessed in order to achieve their own “good death”. The professional health care team is obliged to assist patients and families become knowledgeable about potentially appropriate resources to assist them to become more comfortable with their roles thus more effectively supporting the patient as well as each other. Through literature review and interviews with diverse stakeholders, I will explore what a good death means from the divergent perspectives of patients, families and the clinicians who provide care for hospitalized dying patients.