What makes a good death?

09/22/25 at 02:00 AM

What makes a good death? 
GeriPal - A Geriatrics and Palliative Care Podcast for Every Healthcare Professional; by Alex Smith with Karen Steinhauser, Rasa Mikelyte and Edison Vidal; 9/18/25
What is a “good death”? How should we define it, and who gets to decide? Is the concept of a “good death” even useful? ... In today’s podcast, we are honored to have Karen join us to discuss this pivotal study and the nature of a “good death”. We are also joined by Rasa Mikelyte and Edison Vidal, co-authors of a recent study comparing the perspectives of people with dementia in the UK and Brazil on what constitutes a good death. In addition to exploring the nature of a good death and their individual studies, we will discuss:

  • Whether an external criterion for a good death exists, or if it is entirely dependent on the perspective of the dying individual.
  • The role of culture and spirituality in defining a good death.
  • The role of healthcare providers in the discussion about the nature of a good death.
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