Discussing the possibility of death with a medical professional can be difficult for terminally ill patients, often leaving them with an uneasy or upsetting feeling. However, recent studies are suggesting that it may provide many benefits for not only the patient, but the patient’s loved ones as well.

In a study conducted by the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, 332 terminally ill patients were studied. The patients were observed for an average of the last 4 ½ months of their life. Of the 332 patients, 123 patients had conversations with their doctor about their possible death.

These 123 patients who had an end-of-life conversation were more likely to accept care that primarily focused on their comfort, such as hospice care. In hospice care, the medical attention that patients receive is focused on their own comfort, often taking place in their own home or a similar, comfortable setting. Some suggest that hospice care offers a better quality of life, rather than taking measures to hasten or prolong death.  For instance, a patient being admitted into intensive care (ICU) may very well prolong their life, but it may come at the expense of the comfort level for not only the patient, but loved ones as well. Often times, more aggressive medical approaches, such as being placed on a ventilator to breathe, can not only be physically painful for the patient, but mentally and emotionally tasking on the patient and their family.

Along with the patients themselves, researchers assessed the mental health of family members of the deceased, typically about 6 ½ months after their loved one had passed away. Family members of those who did not die in the ICU were 3 times less likely to show signs of depression stemming from the death.

“The major findings are that end-of-life discussions have cascading benefits for patients and their loved ones.” Dr. Alexi Wright, of the Dana Farber Institute, said in a telephone interview.

If you would like to read more on the study click here.

For more information on hospice click here.