Communication is more than just a conversation: family members' satisfaction with end-of-life care

AIM:: The main aim of this study was to investigate family member's experiences of communicating with health professionals (HP) during end-of-life care in acute medical wards and a nursing home. METHODS:: A qualitative approach using 19 semi-structured interviews to collect data was used. The text was analysed using a content analysis methodology, extracting content that reflected family member's experiences of end-of-life care in acute medical wards, and a nursing home in Iceland. RESULTS:: Four themes were identified as contributing to favourable communication with HPs in end-of-life care: establishing a relationship; flow of information; environment; acceptance at the time of death. CONCLUSION:: Findings suggested that the context of communication in end-of-life care is more than just a conversation. It includes health professional's appearances, decision-making and respect. Satisfactory communication is a necessary factor of quality of care and the fundamental aspect of the establishment of a positive interpersonal relationship.