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Table 3 Comparison of attributes of a good death

From: Pharmacist perceptions of a “good death” and differences in perception between patients with cancer, oncologists, and oncology nurses: a questionnaire survey

Components of a good death

Attributes of a good death

Proportion (%)

Difference from pharmacists (%)a

Pharmacists

Patients

Oncologists

Oncology nurses

Fighting against cancer

Fighting against disease until one’s last moment

22

+ 59

− 3

+ 8

Not being a burden to others

Not making trouble for others

39

+ 48

+ 29

+ 17

Fighting against cancer

Living as long as possible

19

+ 44

0

+ 5

Pride and beauty

Not exposing one’s physical and mental weakness to anyone else

22

+ 44

+ 4

+ 8

Religious and spiritual comfort

Feeling that one is protected by higher power beyond oneself

19

+ 30

+ 1

+ 8

Unawareness of death

Dying without awareness that one is dying

20

+ 29

+ 1

+ 4

Unawareness of death

Not being informed of bad news

18

+ 22

− 5

+ 4

Religious and spiritual comfort

Having faith

11

+ 20

+ 8

+ 6

  1. Percentage of respondents who answered somewhat necessary, 5; necessary, 6; and absolutely necessary, 7 on a 7-point scale
  2. a Differences between pharmacists and patients, oncologists, and oncology nurses are calculated by quoting the data of Miyashita et al