Cartwright interviewed a large stra

Cartwright interviewed a large stratified sample of surviving relatives of patients from all over Britain. Among those patients who had been admitted to hospital but had subsequently been discharged and died at homeno less than 84 per cent were said to-have suffered "very distressing symptoms". Pain, sleeplessness, vomiting, anorexia, constipation, bed sores, dyspnoea, and depression all increased in incidence after discharge from hospital and there is evidence of a considerable amount of suffering.Cartwright's figures give no grounds for satisfaction and we clearly need to know more about the various patterns of care which are provided during the terminal period and the problems for both patient and family which are associated with each pattern of care if we are to improve standards of care.My findings are repprted of a study of the views of surviving spouses concerning the care given to cancer patients whose condition deteriorated and ended fatally after active treatment (seeking to prolong life) had been completed.