Steinhauser and her colleagues surveyed nearly 1500 people to determine the factors considered important to people at the end of life. Study participants included seriously ill patients, recently bereaved family, physicians, nurses, social workers, clergy members and hospice volunteers.
Different groups placed different levels of importance on certain attributes or factors. Those considered to be important to most people are in the related article.
The factors on this list are those rated as important among patients, but were significantly less important to physicians.
1. Be mentally aware.
This was considered to be important by 92% of the patients and only 65% of the physicians.2. Be at peace with God.
This was considered to be important by 89% of the patients and only 65% of the physicians.3. Not be a burden to family.
This was considered to be important by 89% of the patients and only 58% of the physicians.4. Be able to help others.
This was considered to be important by 88% of the patients and only 44% of the physicians.5. Pray.
This was considered to be important by 85% of the patients and only 55% of the physicians.6. Have funeral arrangements planned.
This was considered to be important by 82% of the patients and only 58% of the physicians.7. Not be a burden to society.
This was considered to be important by 81% of the patients and only 44% of the physicians.8. Feels one's life is complete.
This was considered to be important by 80% of the patients and only 68% of the physicians.
_____________________________
Source: Steinhauser KE, Christakis NA, Clipp EC, et. al. Factors Considered Important at the End of Life by Patients, Family, Physicians, and Other Care Providers. JAMA. 2000;284:2476-2482.
