Understanding what ‘dying well’ means to a patient

Steinhauser, Christakis, 2000 Steinhauser, Clipp, 2000

While the concept of ‘dying well’ or ‘a good death’ is subjective, factors that many patients, families and healthcare professionals agree are important include:

having pain and other symptoms managed
being able to participate in decision-making
feeling prepared for death (eg funeral arrangements planned)
feeling that one’s life is complete
being able to help others
being treated as ‘a whole person’.

Patients at the end of life may also value feeling secure and well looked after, being mentally aware, having family present, receiving good personal care, having their spiritual needs met, and having their finances in order.

Although some of these factors are not within their control, healthcare professionals can contribute by providing good clinical care with clear, honest and inclusive decision-making.