To explore and document the experiences and expectancies of bereaved family members concerning the end-of-life (EOL) care of their deceased relative in a general hospital setting.
Methods:
Cross-sectional study using a questionnaire that included open-ended questions. Free-text answers were evaluated with qualitative content analysis. A total of 270 family members provided information about improvements in inpatient care.
Results:
Families described structural deficiencies. Furthermore, they requested a more holistic patient health care beyond medical treatment and expressed the wish for more professional support for families.
Discussion:
The view of bereaved families confirmed the need for improvement in general hospital EOL care. The results underline the importance of a more holistic EOL care. The application of communication skills training, structured family meetings, and integrated pathways is recommended.
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