Priorities of a "good death" according to cancer patients, their family caregivers, physicians, and the general population: a nationwide survey

Abstract

Purpose Understanding the concept of a Bgood death^ is crucial to end-of-life care, but our current understanding of what constitutes a good death is insufficient. Here, we investigated the components of a good death that are important to the general population, cancer patients, their families, and physicians.

Methods We conducted a stratified nationwide cross-sectional survey of cancer patients and their families from 12 hospitals, physicians from 12 hospitals and the Korean Medical Association, and the general population, investigating their attitudes toward 10 good-death components.

Findings Three components—Bnot be a burden to the family,^ Bpresence of family,^ and Bresolve unfinished business^—were considered the most important components by more than 2/3 of each of the three groups, and an additional three components— Bfreedom from pain,^ Bfeel that life was meaningful,^ and Bat peace with God^—were considered important by all but the physicians group. Physicians considered Bfeel life was meaningful,^ Bpresence of family,^ and Bnot be a burden to family^ as the core components of a good death, with Bfreedom from pain^ as an additional component. BTreatment choices’ followed, Bfinances in order,^ Bmentally aware,^ and Bdie at home^ were found to be the least important components among all four groups.