Open AccessWell-Being at the End of Life
Author(s) -
Deborah Carr,
Elizabeth A Luth
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
annual review of sociology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.866
H-Index - 174
eISSN - 1545-2115
pISSN - 0360-0572
DOI - 10.1146/annurev-soc-073018-022524
Subject(s) - end of life care , receipt , autonomy , context (archaeology) , socioeconomic status , psychology , medicine , palliative care , nursing , political science , history , population , law , business , archaeology , environmental health , accounting
This review proposes that the end of life is a uniquely contemporary life course stage. Epidemiologic, technological, and cultural shifts over the past two centuries have created a context in which dying has shifted from a sudden and unexpected event to a protracted, anticipated transition following an incurable chronic illness. The emergence of an end-of-life stage lasting for months or even years has heightened public interest in enhancing patient well-being, autonomy, and the receipt of medical care that accords with patient and family members' wishes. We describe key components of end-of-life well-being and highlight socioeconomic and race disparities therein, drawing on fundamental cause theory. We describe two practices that are critical to end-of-life well-being (advance care planning and hospice) and identify limitations that may undermine their effectiveness. We conclude with recommendations for future sociological research that could inform practices to enhance patient and family well-being at the end of life.