Good death in cancer care: a nationwide quantitative study.
BACKGROUND
The aims of this study were to (i) conceptualize dimensions of a good death in Japanese cancer care, (ii) clarify the relative importance of each component of a good death and (iii) explore factors related to an individual's perception of the domains of a good death.


METHODS
The general population was sampled using a stratified random sampling method (n = 2548; response rate, 51%) and bereaved families from 12 certified palliative care units were surveyed as well (n = 513; 70%). We asked the subjects about the relative importance of 57 components of a good death.


RESULTS
Explanatory factor analysis demonstrated 18 domains contributing to a good death. Ten domains were classified as 'consistently important domains', including 'physical and psychological comfort', 'dying in a favorite place', 'good relationship with medical staff', 'maintaining hope and pleasure', 'not being a burden to others', 'good relationship with family', 'physical and cognitive control', 'environmental comfort', 'being respected as an individual' and 'life completion'.


CONCLUSIONS
We quantitatively identified 18 important domains that contribute to a good death in Japanese cancer care. The next step of our work should be to conduct a national survey to identify what is required to achieve a good death.
Miyashita
M
M
Department of Adult Nursing/Palliative Care Nursing, School of Health Sciences and Nursing, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan. miyasita-tky@umin.net
Sanjo
M
M
Morita
T
T
Hirai
K
K
Uchitomi
Y
Y
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001293:Attitude to Death; D001601:Bereavement; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000401:mortality; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D007564:Japan; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000401:mortality* / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires