Table 1. Six Hypothesized Domains of the Quality of Dying and Death.

Symptoms and Personal Control

Pain under control^a

Control over what was going on^a

Ability to feed him/herself^a

Control of bladder and bowels^a

Breathing comfort^a

Sufficient energy^a

Preparation for Death

At peace with dying^a

Unafraid of dying^a

Untroubled about strain on loved ones^a

Healthcare costs covered^b

Spiritual advisor visits^b

Spiritual ceremony before death^b

Funeral arrangements in order^c

Goodbyes said^b

Attendance at important events^b

Bad feelings cleared up^b

Moment of Death

Place of death

Having others present at time of death

State of consciousness in moment before death

Family

Time with spouse/partner^a

Time with children^a

Time with other family/friends^a

Time alone^a

Time with pets^a

Treatment Preferences

End-of-life care discussions with doctor^c

Means to hasten death, if needed^b

Use or avoidance of life support^b

Whole Person Concerns

Ability to laugh and smile^a

Physical expressions of affection^b

Meaning and purpose in life^b

Maintained dignity and self-respect^a

The reference period for this item was “during the last 7 days of life” (or, if the patient could not communicate during the last 7 days, the “last month of life”). The filter question asked how often the event occurred during the reference period.

The reference period for this item was the same as “a” (above), but the filter question asked whether the event occurred at all during the reference period.

The reference period was “by the time of death.” The filter question asked whether the event had occurred at any time before death.