Dignified death: the perception of doctors in a teaching hospital

Abstract

In order to identify the perception of good death by physicians who work at a teaching hospital, a cross sectional study with a convenience sample (100 physicians) is proposed, using the reduced version of the perceived dignified death scale (Brazilian reduced version of Good Death Inventory). All factors of the instrument were considered as highly needed, emphasizing good relationship with the family (98.9%), maintenance of hope and pleasure (97.8%) and not being a burden to others (92.3%). Women prioritized good relationships with family and team; doctors over 45 years old, not being a burden to others; and those without religion, not being a burden to others and having control over the future. The perception of good death presented by physicians valued social aspects such as affectivity and acquaintanceship, by prioritizing these three factors, in addition to showing that age, sex and religiosity influence this perception.