Learning Objective #1: Identify common themes and concerns of the individual in exploring the issue of dying well

Learning Objective #2: Depict the acts the individual takes to ensure that they do indeed, die well

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Dying well, a balance between science and wisdom at the end of life, is the topic of this qualitative study. Prior research suggests that in the United States there is a strong cultural denial of death, a desire to control death through a predictable hospital routine, a need for increased communication between health care providers and patients about end-of-life decisions, and a role for the nurse practitioner or mid-level provider to counsel patients about end-of-life decisions, ideally, while the patient is still relatively healthy.

The purpose of this research was to identify common themes and concerns of the individual in exploring the issue of dying well, to portray various visions of an ideal death, and to depict the acts the individual takes to ensure that they do indeed, die well. Using grounded theory methodology, open-ended interviews were conducted with 6 participants over a 4-month period of time. The constant comparative method was used for data analysis.

Four tasks of dying-well were identified during the study. These are: (a) taking care of business, (b) leaving loved ones, (c) forming memories, and (d) bridging the gap. Characteristics of each task are described. The tasks tend to fall into physical, psychological, and social groupings. Practice implications are suggested for mid-level providers interested in end-of-life planning.