Defining a "good death" may be somewhat subjective, but that hasn't stopped a group of scientists from attempting to measure its parameters, according to a new paper published in The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry.
For the paper, researchers conducted a literature search for published, peer-reviewed works written in English that implemented qualitative and quantitative studies to chart elements of a pleasant death. Here are three things to know about dying well.
1. The metrics: Researchers were able to establish 11 core themes attributable to good deaths. Patients, families and providers cared most about how the person died — whether they were pain-free as they passed, the quality of their emotional well-being and whether or not the patient's family was present during the process. The other metrics included life completion, treatment preferences, dignity, family, quality of life, relationship with the healthcare provider and "other."
2. Discrepancies: Among the three groups there were some incongruities. Patients emphasized religiosity and spirituality more than their family members. Family members expressed more concern with dignity and life completion. And the priorities of care providers existed on a middle ground between patients and family members. "Clinically, we often see a difference between what patients, family members and healthcare providers value as most important near the end of life," study co-author Emily Meier, PhD, psychologist at Moores Cancer Center at UC San Diego Health, said in a press release. "Ultimately, existential and other psychosocial concerns may be prevalent among patients, and this serves as a reminder that we must ask about all facets of care that are essential at the end of life."
3. Talking about it: While talking about death is never easy, the study highlights the importance of open communication during end-of-life care. Previous studies have shown that patients who participate in advance care planning and have living wills avoid enduring last minute treatment they don't want. Dilip Jeste, MD, the study's senior author and director of the Sam and Rose Stein Institute for Research on Aging at UC San Diego School of Medicine, said, "Usually, patients know what they want or need and there is relief in talking about it. It gives them a sense of control. I hope these findings spur greater conversation across the spectrum. It may be possible to develop formal rating scales and protocols that will prompt greater discussion and better outcomes."
More articles on quality:
Economic burden of needlestick and sharps injuries: 6 things to know
UAB statisticians identify 10 key statistical errors seen in obesity research
Study: Black patients may receive better GI care when treated at hospitals with diverse populations