Stakeholders’ perspectives of a good death: A qualitative study from Thailand

BACKGROUND: A ‘good death’ is one of palliative care's main goals. However, there are different perspectives on what a good death is. Perspectives from three groups of people involved in the dying process: patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers; are crucial because how they interact will affect the overall quality of end-of-life care. OBJECTIVE: The aims were to 1) explore what is a good death and 2) how to achieve it from the perspectives of those involved in patient care. METHODS: A qualitative study was conducted between February to August 2019. The recruitment triad of stakeholders consisted of one patient with their primary caregiver and their physician. Interviews were conducted by researchers who had no prior relationship with the participants and were not a part of the healthcare team. Each research aim was analyzed separately using thematic content analysis. Data saturation was reached when no new or emerging themes emerged. Fourteen people were interviewed; five patients, five caregivers, and four physicians. RESULTS: Regarding perspectives of a good death, four themes emerged: 1: Peaceful natural progression and symptom-free, 2: Acceptance of death and dignity, 3: Readiness for death is facilitated by social support and the environment, and 4: Faith and religious values can bring peace. For the second research question regarding how to help the patient achieve a good death, three themes emerged: 1: provide supportive care, 2: good communication, and 3: prioritize the patients’ wishes. CONCLUSION: In the Thai context, the meaning of a good death relates to symptom control, acceptance of death, social support, and faith. However, a clear understanding of each individual's meaning of good death is required due to individualized needs and perceptions. Physicians and stakeholders looking to support good death should focus on providing supportive care, good communication, and prioritizing the patient's will and wishes.