Audit of Terminal Care in a General Practice

Abstract

Objective -- To determine satisfaction of relatives and general practitioners with care of patients during terminal illness and make recommendations on improving terminal care in general practice...Results -- In six cases relatives were dissatisfied, mainly because of lack of communication; in eight cases doctors were dissatisfied because of communication, poor symptom control, and inadequate care. Implications -- There is a need for improved communication between relatives and the health professionals involved in terminal care as well as better advice on services and benefits available to both patients and relatives. Bereavement counselling should be better organized.