Table 1.

Guiding principles in defining high-quality end-of-life care

High-quality end-of-life care:

∙ maintains dignity, respect, and compassion ∙ explores the wishes and voices of the patient and family/SDM ∙ respects culture, spiritual values, and observances ∙ continues to support and partner with patients, families/SDM, and the healthcare team throughout the death experience ∙ is consistent with guidelines for WLSM ∙ focuses on alleviating pain, distress, and providing comfort ∙ adheres to the current existing medicolegal framework, which in 2020 includes respect for the dead donor rule and precludes intentional hastening of death (notwithstanding medical assistance in dying legislation) ∙ avoids unnecessary prolongation of the dying process ∙ preserves the opportunity to donate organs and tissues

SDM = substitute decision maker, WLSM = withdrawal of life-sustaining measures