Nurses regularly care for patients who are in the final
stages of life and can identify behaviors that obstruct or
improve EOL care for patients and families (Pavlish &
Ceronsky, 2009). More than 30% of patients diagnosed
with cancer will die from the disease (American Cancer
Society, 2012); therefore, identifying the obstacles
or supportive behaviors that have the most impact to
patients and families and then working to eliminate
highly rated obstacles or increase support for positive
behaviors is critical to improve EOL care.