["A good death": perception of health personnel in French-speaking Switzerland].

Aims: To describe the perception of "Good death" among health personnel working in nursing homes in French-speaking Switzerland and to identify the differential explanatory factors.

Methods: A cross sectional study with a self-administered questionnaire, adapted from the "the' new measure of concept of good death", was done among health personnel in 5 nursing homes (2 in Geneva and 3 from Valais) in spring 2004. One hundred and sixty one persons participated at the study representing over 90% of the personel contacted.

Results: Four points were considered hallmarks of "Good death" by more than 80% of respondents: i.e. pain control, serenity and peace, presence of family members or close friends, respect of the last will. Up to 70% further consider as important elements the support of health professionals, the opportunity to transmit one's values and access to spiritual and/or religious support. Around 50% of respondents also consider as important "being able to chose the place of death", "having time to prepare one self", "staying conscious to the end" and "having control over body functions". These perceptions vary according to the place of work, the sex, the training in palliative care, the professional experience and of the number of deaths with which respondents were confronted.

Conclusion: There seems to be converging opinions among health personel on what "Good death" should be. Public health decisions makers need to be informed on this.