Hospital staff opinions concerning loved ones' understanding of the patient's life-limiting disease and the loved ones' need for support.

The aim of this study was to investigate the opinions of nurses, assistant nurses, and doctors about whether the patient's loved ones understand that the patient has a life-limiting disease, and if they talk about these matters with the patient or staff. The study was quantitative in design with data collected by means of a semi-structured questionnaire. The study was conducted at geriatric, oncology, and urology wards at a university hospital in western Sweden. Results indicate a perception that loved ones understand the seriousness and consequences of the disease. Professional caregivers perceived an association between the loved ones' understanding of the fatal disease and their ability to cope with the situation. In addition, the study found that follow-up activities after the patient's death are mostly lacking.