Accepting the Timing of One's Death: An Experience of Chinese Hospice Patients

Abstract

It is recently that studies began to investigate the features of Good Death. However, work in eastern cultures, such as Chinese, remains scarce. The purpose of this study is to gain an understanding of what it means to die a “good death” from the perspective of Chinese patients. Thirty-three Chinese hospice patients with terminal cancer were interviewed. Grounded in the analysis of qualitative data, seven elements that contribute to dying a good death emerged. These seven elements were: being aware of dying (death awareness); maintaining hope (hope); being free from pain and suffering (comfort); experiencing personal control (control); maintaining social relationships (connectedness); preparing to depart (preparations); and accepting the timing of one's death (completion). Accepting the timing of one's death was identified as an essential element. The findings indicate that patients would show better acceptance to the timing of their death under four circumstances. First, they had completed their social roles, which often represented their emphasis in maintaining family connectedness. Accomplishment of these obligations could also mean substantiation of a meaningful and responsible life. Second, they died at an old age because their deaths were perceived as good and natural. Third, respondents had religious faiths. Their faiths or beliefs facilitated them to maintain an eternal hope of a better life after death. Fourth, respondents experienced meaningful lives that further sustained their hope and control for a better future. In this way, respondents may also feel spiritual comfort and acceptance.