Attitudes about Death,Dying,and Terminal Care: Differences among Groups at a University Teaching Hospital

Abstract

Attitudes of eight hospital groups on several aspects of terminal care were studied by means of a questionnaire responded to by 1080 people at a university teaching hospital. The questionnaire contained statements about terminally ill patients, settings for their care, terminally ill children, discussing death and terminal care, and meeting the emotional needs of patients. Responses of the groups, which included physicians, residents, nurses, aides, and orderlies, did not differ on general statements about terminal care. On more specific statements, responses from some groups differed significantly from other groups' responses. A suggested interpretation was that perception of personal involvement in the activity implied by the statements influenced responses by some groups. Compared to other groups, physicians responded conservatively to statements about terminal care. Differences in attitudes among hospital groups require further investigation, particularly with respect to their effect on coordination of patients' care. In addition, the consistency of attitudes across various aspects of terminal care needs systematic study.