How can we improve care at the end of life in Connecticut? Recommendations from focus groups

A qualitative study to elicit views among residents of Connecticut about death, dying, preferences for care, and gaps in available care was conducted for the Connecticut Coalition to Improve End-of-Life Care. Twenty-eight focus groups were convened across the state between May 1999 and March 2001. The focus groups included adolescents and adults from diverse religious, ethnic, and professional backgrounds. A total of 196 individuals participated in the 90-minute sessions. Trained moderators conducted the discussion groups following a guide. Transcriptions of the groups were coded to identify themes. Thirty-two recommendations to improve care based on the focus group discussions are presented. These are grouped under the following actions: 1) enhance public education; 2) offer better professional provider education and support; and 3) augment services. The recommendations are illustrated with quotations from the focus groups.