The care
of seriously ill and dying persons offers important insight
into how well our health care system provides competent, coordinated,
and compassionate care. Key to the quality of care for seriously
ill and dying persons is that medical care be patient-focused
and family-centered. A health care institution is providing
quality end-of-life care when staff: 1) provide the desired
level of physical comfort and emotional support; 2) support
shared decision making; 3) treat the individual with respect;
4) provide emotional support to the family; and 5) coordinate
care across settings.
Reported
in the January 7, 2004 issue of JAMA are concerns of bereaved
family members about the quality of care received while their
loved ones were dying. Since percentages and rates may not adequately
convey the concerns of family members, as part of this study
we conducted in-depth interviews with over 100 of the survey
participants. In order for their voices to be heard, we provide
illustrative quotes from family members about concerns with
each aspect of end-of-life care.
Main Outcome Measures
Click
on one of the domains below to view information on that aspect
of the study.
Additional Information
