Deathbed etiquette

The Deathbed Etiquette Guide was developed by the Centre for the Art of Dying Well in 2019, in collaboration with Lancaster University’s Medical School, based on reviews of existing research and guidance on end-of-life care with a special emphasis upon communication.

An updated guide for COVID-19 was also published in 2020. They have had significant impact in improving end-of-life care. The guides provide practical advice for families and volunteers caring for dying loved ones, filling an important gap.

Deathbed etiquette Deathbed etiquette and the coronavirus (Covid-19)

'Deathbed Etiquette and Deathbed Etiquette for Covid-19' in collaboration with Lancaster University Medical School:

• Multidisciplinary research with Lancaster University Medical School - explore their introduction into healthcare settings and to help with public health education.

Publications and outputs

• Deathbed Etiquette - The Guide: A Qualitative Study Exploring the Views of Practitioners on its Introduction into End-of-Life Care Settings. Palliative Care (Feb 2023).
• 15 Deathbed etiquette-support for being at the bedside of the person you love: abstract published by BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care, (March 2021).

Contribution to conference 

• “Deathbed Etiquette” - The Guide: A Qualitative Study Exploring the Views of Practitioners on its Introduction into End-of-Life Care Settings. European Association of Palliative Care, Rotterdam (June 2023).
• Evaluating the online response to a guide to support people who are caring for dying friends and family, the ‘Deathbed Etiquette’: an analysis of Twitter and newspaper comments. 17th World Congress Of The European Association For Palliative Care (EAPC) 2021: Exploring New Dimensions (October 2021).