TABLE 2.

Core Themes and Subthemes of a Good Death and/or Successful Dying

Core Theme	Subtheme
Preferences for dying process	Death scene (how, who, where, and when)
	Dying during sleep
	Preparation for death (e.g., advanced directives, funeral arrangements)
Pain-free status	Not suffering
	Pain and symptom management
Emotional well-being	Emotional support
	Psychological comfort
	Chance to discuss meaning of death
Family	Family support
	Family acceptance of death
	Family is prepared for death
	Not be a burden to family
Dignity	Respect as an individual
	Independence
Life completion	Saying goodbye
	Life well lived
	Acceptance of death
Religiosity/spirituality	Religious/spiritual comfort
	Faith
	Meet with clergy
Treatment preferences	Not prolonging life
	Belief that all available treatments were used
	Control over treatment
	Euthanasia/physician-assisted suicide
Quality of life	Living as usual
	Maintaining hope, pleasure, gratitude
	Life is worth living
Relationship with HCP	Trust/support/comfort from physician/nurse
	Physician comfortable with death/dying
	Discuss spiritual beliefs/fears with physician
Other	Recognition of culture
	Physical touch
	Being with pets
	Healthcare costs