Achieving a Healthy Death: The Dying Person’s Attitudinal Contributions

ABSTRACT

This study addressed the question of whether there are attitudes that may be psychologically beneficial to the dying, their families, and their caregivers. The Omega Attitudes Inventory was distributed to 467 systematically selected hospice coordinators nationwide. The responses of 327 (70%) indicated high concordance with patient attitudes contributing to a “healthy” death. The identified attitudes were qualitatively enhanced through anecdote and the literature. The study concluded with implications for clinical practice and further research.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Douglas C. Smith

Douglas C. Smith, MDiv, MA, is Director of Counseling and Family Services, Hospice of Central Iowa, Des Moines, IA.

Michael Forrest Maher

Michael Forrest Maher, PhD, is Coordinator of Graduate Studies in the College of Education & Health Sciences at Bradley University, Peoria, IL.