Respectful Death: A Model for End-of-Life Care

The Respectful Death Model (RDM) is a research-based, holistic, and practical model developed to improve end-of-life care. A respectful death is one which supports dying patients, their families, and professionals in the completion of life cycles and can be used by all members of the healthcare team. The model is a process method commencing with the establishment of a therapeutic relationship with the dying patient and his or her family and, as a result, their stories are heard and incorporated into the care plan. This article demonstrates that hospice and palliative care nurses have been practicing this model since the origination of care of the dying. Other topics addressed are the current culture toward death in the United States, the roles of nurses in the RDM, and the barriers and benefits of the RDM. Recommendations for future research in end-of-life care also are addressed.