[Transitions at the End of Life]

Transitions at the End of Life Abstract. Transitions in places of care are often associated with a high symptom burden, a constantly growing care network and / or frequent changes between ambulatory and inpatient care. Interface problems occur at the organizational, communication, information, and knowledge levels, as well as in the networking of care facilities and services. Indications of care deficits at the end of life and the extent to which unsuccessful symptom relief or frequent changes between ambulatory and inpatient care can be cushioned are discussed on the basis of study results. At the end of life, open empathic conversations, symptom relief, psycho-social support, and, if necessary, the addressing of spiritual questions with needs-based availability of facilities and services are important cornerstones for the dying and the bereaved. An overview of the various kinds of hospice and palliative care services in the ambulatory and inpatient sector, including those for the bereaved, will also be presented.