Does the recording of end-of-life treatment and care wishes make a difference to the quality of people's deaths? Compassion in Dying surveyed more than 2400 British adults who were asked to recall the experience of the last relative or close friend who had died. This report highlights the survey's key findings and makes recommendations for practice. The report finds that almost half of those who have lost someone close to them through a short or long illness, feel their loved one died badly (45%). In cases where the dying person had recorded end of life wishes, relatives and friends are more likely to report that they had a good death (58%). Other key aspects identified which could have also improved the situation for people who did not have a good death were: recording end of life wishes (19%); better communication between the doctor and their loved one (39%); co-ordination of care (33%); and being able to die in a place of their choice (31%). With the recent decision to replace the Liverpool Care Pathway (LCP) with personalised care plans, Compassion in Dying believes that this report reinforces the importance of advance care planning at the end of life, and the urgent need to put
(Edited publisher abstract)
Does the recording of end-of-life treatment and care wishes make a difference to the quality of people's deaths? Compassion in Dying surveyed more than 2400 British adults who were asked to recall the experience of the last relative or close friend who had died. This report highlights the survey's key findings and makes recommendations for practice. The report finds that almost half of those who have lost someone close to them through a short or long illness, feel their loved one died badly (45%). In cases where the dying person had recorded end of life wishes, relatives and friends are more likely to report that they had a good death (58%). Other key aspects identified which could have also improved the situation for people who did not have a good death were: recording end of life wishes (19%); better communication between the doctor and their loved one (39%); co-ordination of care (33%); and being able to die in a place of their choice (31%). With the recent decision to replace the Liverpool Care Pathway (LCP) with personalised care plans, Compassion in Dying believes that this report reinforces the importance of advance care planning at the end of life, and the urgent need to put in place workable guidance as soon as possible.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
end of life care, death, dying, surveys, advance care planning;