Preparing for the end of life: Preferences of patients, families, physicians, and other care providers

To examine patients, families, and health care providers' preferences regar ding preparation for the end of life, attributes of preparation were genera ted in qualitative focus group discussions and subsequently tested for gene ralizability in a quantitative national survey. Respondents from all groups showed consensus on the importance of naming someone to make decisions, kn owing what to expect about one's physical condition, having financial affai rs in order, having treatment Preferences in writing, and knowing that one' s physician is comfortable talking about death and dying. Patients were mor e likely than physicians to want to plan funerals and know the timing of de ath and less likely than all other groups to want to discuss personal fears . Participants in care of dying patients agree overwhelmingly with the impo rtance of preparation. However significant barriers to Preparation impede i t from being a common part of clinical encounters. Further research and tra ining are needed to ensure that the desire for greater preparation is trans lated into improved action toward preparation in medical practice. (C) U.S. Cancer Pain Relief Committee, 2001.