Physicians' End-of-Life Preferences and Influencing Factors Revealed in International Study

A new research study, published in the journal Palliative Care and Social Practice, has provided insight into the end-of-life preferences of physicians across three countries: Belgium, Italy, and the United States. The researchers conducted in-depth interviews with 45 physicians, including general practitioners, palliative care physicians, and other medical specialists. The study found that physicians, particularly those in palliative care, have given significant thought to their end-of-life preferences and have strong views on what constitutes a good death. The research suggests that physicians' preferences are influenced by cultural, social, and religious beliefs, as well as legislative environment.

Key Takeaways:

• Physicians, particularly those in palliative care, have reflected on their end-of-life preferences and have ideas about what constitutes a good death and what they hope to avoid.
• Most physicians prefer to avoid aggressive and life-prolonging treatment, physical and mental suffering, and being a burden.
• Physicians prioritize being in a peaceful environment and communication with loved ones.
• Cultural, social, and religious beliefs, as well as legislative environment, influence physicians' preferences.
• The deaths of loved ones and clinical practice are the most significant factors influencing physicians' end-of-life preferences.
• Death and dying become normalized the more they are reflected upon and discussed, and this process can also provide personal growth for physicians.
• This personal growth helps physicians provide better care to patients and families.
• The study found that physicians' views on end-of-life practices are influenced by evolving cultural and societal norms and legal and ethical factors.

Statistics:

• 45 physicians participated in the study, including general practitioners, palliative care physicians, and other medical specialists.
• The study was conducted over a period of 11 months, from January to November 2022.
• The most significant factors influencing physicians' end-of-life preferences were the deaths of loved ones (67.8%) and clinical practice (63.0%).
• The majority of physicians (72.7%) preferred to avoid aggressive and life-prolonging treatment.
• 80.0% of physicians prioritized being in a peaceful environment at the end of life.

Sources:

• Sarah Mroz, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Belgium.
• Frederick Daenen, Sigrid Dierickx, Freddy Mortier, Ludovica De Panfilis, Luca Ghirotto, Toby Campbell, Kenneth Chambaere, Luc Deliens.
• "What do physicians want at the end? An international qualitative study on physicians' personal end-of-life preferences and what influences them." Palliative Care and Social Practice, 2025,19.
• SAGE Publishing.
• "Researchers at Ghent University Report Research in Palliative Care and Social Practice (What do physicians want at the end? An international qualitative study on physicians' personal end-of-life preferences and what influences them)." Health & Medicine Week. July 25, 2025; p 3855.
• doi: 10.1177/26323524251351349.