Making Sense of the Final Moments: A Qualitative Study of Informal Caregivers' Perception of Good Death in the Bereavement Process

AIM: The study aimed to explore caregivers' perceptions of 'good death' following adult deaths in the intensive care unit. BACKGROUND: Understanding caregivers' perceptions of 'good death' in the intensive care setting is essential to reveal how physical, emotional, spiritual and cultural dimensions shape the bereavement process. METHOD: A qualitative descriptive design was used. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 caregivers between June and August 2025. Participants had lost an adult relative in the intensive care unit within the previous 6-24 months (approximately June 2023-February 2025). Data were analysed using thematic analysis to identify multidimensional themes that reflected caregivers' experiences of good death. RESULTS: Caregivers described good death as a multilayered process extending beyond physical comfort to encompass emotional, spiritual, social, and cultural dimensions. Four themes were identified: (1) Physical and emotional comfort, (2) Meaning and spirituality, (3) Psychosocial challenges and (4) Cultural and social support. Key elements included a painless and peaceful death, the opportunity to say goodbye while conscious, the presence of relatives, autonomy, religious rituals, spiritual care, surrender to fate, social support and culturally shaped caregiving responsibilities. CONCLUSION: For caregivers, good death encompassed not only physical relief but also opportunities for farewell, spiritual and religious peace, social support and meaning-making. The restrictive nature of intensive care was seen as a barrier to these needs, underscoring the importance of family-oriented end-of-life practices.