A UK qualitative study of living and dying with dementia in the last year of life.

Background: Dementia is a life-limiting illness, but the trajectory of dying can be difficult to establish and care at end of life can be variable and problematic.

Methods: This UK study was carried out to explore the end-of-life-care experiences of people with dementia from the perspective of their family carers. In-depth interviews were conducted with 40 bereaved family carers of people with dementia.

Discussing end of life wishes - the impact of community interventions?

Background: Many people do not discuss end of life preferences with those closest to them, although this can be beneficial to the individual and wider population. This study evaluated a community intervention to promote end of life preparation and discussion among people who are currently well.

Methods: A series of presentations and workshops (the intervention) were delivered to community groups and people working within health and social care.

WA23 Research methodology workshop.

Background: Public health approaches to end of life are a relatively recent development; hence research methodology in this area is also being developed.

Aim: A workshop for practitioners and researchers describing methodologies used by an end of life public health programme to develop and test interventions and assess the needs and potential for success of further work.

Methods: During the workshop we will describe the methodologies used in a programme which aimed to reframe death and loss as social event and additionally included participatory approaches and engaging communities.

PA20 Views on talking about death, dying and loss.

Background: Societal barriers to open discussion of personal feelings and preferences relating to death may hinder planning for end of life and supporting people who are dying or bereaved.

Aim: To explore views about talking about death, dying and loss.

Method: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 31 people; age range 30 to 83 years.

PA17 Interventions to improve upstream communication about death and dying.

Background: Death is universal. Only 37% of adults have a will and 48% have stated their wishes regarding cremation or burial.(1) Planning and communication can help prevent some of the distress associated with dying and bereavement.

Interventions to encourage discussion of end-of-life preferences between members of the general population and the people closest to them - a systematic literature review.

Background: Discussing end of life preferences can be beneficial, and it is thought that the best time to have these conversations is usually when people are well. This review aims to establish current evidence for the effectiveness of community-based interventions to encourage people to consider, and to discuss with those closest to them, their preferences for end of life care or what they wish to happen after their death.

Methods: A systematic literature review was undertaken.

Compassion in healthcare - lessons from a qualitative study of the end of life care of people with dementia.

Objectives: A lack of compassion in UK healthcare settings has received much recent attention. This study explores the experiences of people with dementia in the last year of life and time surrounding death and how the presence and lack of compassion, kindness and humanity influenced the experience of care.

Design: Qualitative in-depth interviews with bereaved informal carers of people with dementia.