Elements of healthy death: a thematic analysis

Area of Science:

• Medical Sociology
• Thanatology
• Qualitative Health Research

Background:

• Death is an inevitable natural phenomenon, previously viewed negatively.
• Research is shifting towards concepts like 'acceptable death' and 'good death'.
• 'Healthy death' promotes a positive outlook and a fulfilling life until the end.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore and elucidate Iranian perspectives on the constituent elements of a healthy death.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative thematic analysis conducted over 12 months in Tehran hospitals.
• 23 in-depth interviews with 21 participants.
• Systematic transcription, immersion, and analysis to extract themes.

Main Results:

• A core category of 'healthy death' emerged with 10 subthemes.
• Key elements include timely, hassle-free, cost-free, and independent dying.
• Other themes: peaceful death, ease in dying, not dying alone, dying at home, inspired death, preplanned death, and spiritual presence.

Conclusions:

• The study successfully defined elements contributing to a healthy death from the Iranian perspective.
• Healthcare professionals should consider these factors to facilitate positive end-of-life experiences.
• Quality end-of-life care services are crucial for enabling patients to achieve a healthy death.