RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Patients with pancreatic cancer and relatives talk about preferred place of death and what influenced their preferences: a qualitative study JF BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care JO BMJ Support Palliat Care FD British Medical Journal Publishing Group SP 291 OP 295 DO 10.1136/bmjspcare-2011-000091 VO 1 IS 3 A1 Chapple, Alison A1 Evans, Julie A1 McPherson, Ann A1 Payne, Sheila YR 2011 UL http://spcare.bmj.com/content/1/3/291.abstract AB Objective To explore reasons why people with pancreatic cancer, who are reaching the end of their lives, say they wish to die at home or elsewhere, and why preferences may change. Design Qualitative study using semistructured interviews followed by thematic analysis. Setting Respondents recruited from different parts of the UK during 2009/2010. Participants 16 people with experience of pancreatic cancer (8 patients and 8 bereaved relatives) who discussed place of death in detail during an in-depth interview (from a total sample of 32 people with pancreatic cancer and eight relatives of others who had died of this disease). Results People's preferences were affected by their perceptions and previous experiences of care available at home, in a hospice or hospital. Preferences were also shaped by fears about possible loss of dignity, or fears of becoming a burden. Some people thought that a home death might leave bad memories for other members of the family. People with pancreatic cancer and their relatives were aware that preferences might change (or had changed) as death approached. Conclusions The National Health Service End of Life Care Strategy for England seeks to meet the needs of people who are dying and promotes better support for home deaths. More information is needed about why patients hold different views about place of care and place of death, why patients' preferences change and what importance patients attach to place of death. Health professionals should bear this in mind if the subject is raised during advance care planning.