The last word: family members' descriptions of end-of-life care in long-term care facilities

J Palliat Care. 2006 Spring;22(1):33-9.

Abstract

A postal survey was used to collect data from family members of deceased residents of six long-term care (LTC) facilities in order to explore end-of-life (EOL) care using the Family Perception of Care Scale. This article reports on the results of thematic analysis of family member comments provided while completing the survey. Family comments fell into two themes: (1) appreciation for care and (2) concerns with care. The appreciation for care theme included the following subthemes: psychosocial support, family care, and spiritual care. The concerns with care theme included the subthemes: physical care, staffing levels, staff knowledge, physician availability, communication, and physical environment. This study identified the need for improvement in EOL care skills among LTC staff and attending physicians. As such, there is a need to implement continuing education to address these issues.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Attitude to Health*
  • Clinical Competence / standards
  • Communication
  • Family / psychology*
  • Female
  • Health Facility Environment / organization & administration
  • Health Services Needs and Demand
  • Humans
  • Inservice Training
  • Long-Term Care / organization & administration
  • Long-Term Care / psychology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nursing Homes / organization & administration*
  • Ontario
  • Patients' Rooms / organization & administration
  • Personnel Staffing and Scheduling / organization & administration
  • Professional-Family Relations
  • Quality of Health Care / organization & administration*
  • Social Support
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Terminal Care / organization & administration
  • Terminal Care / psychology*
  • Total Quality Management / organization & administration