Quality end-of-life care in long-term care facilities: service providers' perspective

J Palliat Care. 2004 Summer;20(2):85-92.

Abstract

The goal of this project was to provide guidance on what constitutes quality end-of-life care in long-term care (LTC) facilities. Seventy-nine direct care providers from six LTC facilities participated in 12 focus groups. The focus group discussions examined what made the difference between a "good" death and a "bad" death, and what changes in LTC would improve the care of dying residents. Analyses of the focus group data revealed six themes that contribute to quality end-of-life care in LTC facilities: responding to resident needs, creating a homelike environment, supports for families, providing quality care processes, recognizing death as a significant event, and having sufficient institutional resources. These findings challenge policy makers and providers to consider how to normalize life and death in LTC facilities.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Attitude of Health Personnel*
  • Focus Groups
  • Health Facility Environment
  • Health Services Needs and Demand*
  • Homes for the Aged / standards*
  • Humans
  • Nursing Homes / standards*
  • Ontario
  • Quality Indicators, Health Care*
  • Social Support
  • Terminal Care / organization & administration
  • Terminal Care / standards*