Death in practice

Abstract

For a nationwide study of terminal care, Gallup Polls took a sample of 950 general practitioners. Fourteen questionnaires could not be delivered; 376 doctors (40 per cent of the register) returned forms; 313 doctors (33.4 per cent) provided information on 301 home deaths and 292 hospital deaths and responded also to statements about care of the dying.The patients who died at home were well supported by the general practitioner and the family and neighbourhood network. Control of pain was perceived to be better at home. Patients dying at home were more likely to be aware of their impending death. General practitioners usually discussed the imminence of death with relatives, but few relatives and patients raised the question of terminating life. All the available major services were under-used. There was support for more hospices and for more spending on social services. Postgraduate medical education on care of the dying was considered to be inadequate.