Values underlying end-of-life decisions: A qualitative approach

The purpose of the study discussed in this article was to reveal the values that would receive priority attention when considering end-of-life decisio ns. Nineteen elderly Israelis and their 28 family members participated in i ndividual interviews that were analyzed using a hermeneutic phenomenologica l method. Analysis of the transcripts indicated that participants considere d a unique set of value priorities that raised different considerations in each of four domains of life: physical-biological, social psychological, fa milial, and societal. Three transcendent values crossed all four life domai ns: dignity, quality of life, and quality of death. These value considerati ons are useful information for social workers who consult patients and fami ly members at times of end-of-life decisions.