Ten Patient and Family Needs in the Search for a Good Death

1. Open, on-going communication.
2. Preservation of patient decision-making power.
3. Sophisticated symptom control.
4. Limits are set on excessive treatment, as determined by the person who is dying.
5. A treatment focus is placed on preserving quality of life.
6. Emotional support is given and psychological issues addressed.
7. Financial support is available.
8. Support is given for family functioning and in a way that recognizes that family's system of values.
9. Spiritual support is not overlooked.
10. The patient is not abandoned, even--and especially--when a cure is no longer likely.