Table 2 Categories which define a "good death" in medical (palliative care) literature.

- Symptoms' control (pain, diarrhea, vomiting, breathlessness, etc.)

- Avoiding a useless prolongation of the process of dying

- Control of anxiety and other psychological symptoms (not dying with fear)

- Being assisted by a staff in order to make the process of dying more comfortable

b) Relational and social aspects:

- Respect of cultural diversity

- Respect and acknowledgment of the cultural rules of dying (a death that happens within the current rituals of the cultural environment of reference)

- Emotional support provided to patients, their families and close friends

- Good communication between patient/family/close friends/caring staff

- Having close people nearby

- Family acceptance of the patient's condition

- Not feeling a burden for family and friends

c) Preparation:

- Awareness of diagnosis and prognosis (awareness of dying)

- Choice of where to die

- Maintaining a sense of control (possibility of controlling relevant aspects of one's own existence and/or deciding what and when to delegate to others)

- Maintaining a dimension of continuity of life right to the end

d) Existential aspects:

- Being at peace with oneself

- Religious or spiritual practices