End-of-Life Review

Abstract

Context: The term “End-of-Life Review” is often used by hospice workers in the context of spiritual apparitions or visitations prior to a patient's death. A review of the literature reveals no clear definition or categorization of this expression. Objective: The aim of this study is to define the term “End-of-Life Review”. Design: The study was performed using the Delphi method. Setting/participants: A panel of interested parties was recruited from October 2006 to January 2007. Intervention: Respondents were first asked to list their most common experiences associated with the term “End-of-Life Review,” and then to rate each item as to how well it represented their understanding of this term. This process continued until subsequent rounds produce little change in the ranking of each item, suggesting a consensus. Conclusions: The term “End-of-Life Review” is a constellation of behaviors ranging from visitations from the departed to spiritual apparitions prior to death.