Medical communication at end-of-life in palliative care units: nationwide bereavement family survey.

Objectives: Communicating prognosis and changes in a patient's condition is essential in patient-centred care. However, little is known about how families experience medical communication during the dying phase. This study aimed to evaluate family members' satisfaction with such communication, identify factors associated with dissatisfaction and explore preferred approaches by healthcare professionals.

Methods: A nationwide survey was conducted among bereaved family members of cancer patients who had died in inpatient palliative care units in Japan. The survey collected data on family characteristics, prebereavement conditions and satisfaction with medical communication during the dying phase, rated on a 3-point scale. Preferences regarding healthcare professionals' communication styles and the timing of postdeath discussions were also assessed.

Results: Of 527 respondents (response rate: 53%), only 8% reported dissatisfaction with medical communication. Factors associated with dissatisfaction included older age, female sex, poor mental health and higher household income. Families favoured clear and direct communication over indirect approaches and valued receiving information from both physicians and nurses.

Conclusions: While most bereaved families were satisfied with medical communication, certain factors contributed to dissatisfaction. Enhancing end-of-life care requires collaboration between physicians and nurses to provide clear information, emotional support and tailored, patient-centred communication.