Comparison of places and policies for terminal care

Abstract

Patients receiving different types of adequate care for fatal neoplasms were compared by an assessment of their mood and opinions. 78% had spoken of dying, and, although 56% had some unhappiness and anxiety, many were not distressed. Most aspects of care were approved of with no consistant difference in ratings between acute hospital wards and a Foundation Home. Patients were least depressed and anxious at a hospice and preferred the more frank communication available there. Inpatients were slightly less troubled than outpatients who nevertheless praised this management.