Comparison of the Perspective of a “Good Death” in Older Adults and Physicians in Training at University Hospitals

Abstract

Background: It is important to enhance physicians’ understanding of patients’ wishes at the end of life (EOL) for improving palliative care system. Method: This was a cross-sectional study aimed to examine and compare the preferences and perceptions of elderly patients and physicians regarding what they feel constitutes a good death. Participants were asked about their preferences, and physicians were also asked the care they would recommend for patients. The participants’ results were compared, as were the physicians’ preferences regarding their own care and that regarding patients’ EOL care. Results: A higher proportion of patients than physicians wished to be conscious toward the last hour of life and to pass away at home. The higher proportion of physicians agreed with most of the statements on the questionnaire when asked about their EOL care than when asked about that of patients, particularly not prolonging suffering. Conclusion: There were some differences between patients’ and physicians’ preferences regarding EOL care. Better communication between them may help to close this gap.