What is it about?
Debates about assisted dying often focus on legal, ethical and political questions. This editorial argues that it is equally important to focus on the people at the centre of these discussions: individuals living with life-limiting conditions and the families who support them. The article explores the concept of death literacy, the knowledge, confidence and support people need to talk about dying, understand their options, and make informed decisions about future care. It calls for greater openness in discussing death and dying and highlights the important role nurses play in supporting these conversations.
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Why is it important?
Many people find it difficult to talk about death, despite the fact that advances in healthcare mean more people are living longer with complex, life-limiting conditions. Limited opportunities to discuss end-of-life care can leave people feeling uncertain about their options and future wishes. At the same time, access to palliative and hospice care remains unequal for many communities. Supporting people to understand their choices, discuss what matters most to them, and engage in advance care planning is essential if end-of-life decisions are to be truly informed and aligned with individual values and preferences.
Perspectives
This editorial argues that nurses have an important leadership role in improving death literacy and normalising conversations about dying. Regardless of individual views on assisted dying, healthcare professionals have a responsibility to ensure that people living with life-limiting conditions have access to information, support and high-quality palliative care. Meaningful conversations about death should be grounded in compassion, dignity and respect, helping people and families navigate some of life's most difficult decisions. By creating space for these discussions, nurses can support informed, person-centred and uncompromised choices at the end of life.
Prof Michael J Tatterton
University of Bradford
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Improving health literacy is key to empowering people to make informed decisions about their palliative care, end of life care planning and assisted dying, Evidence-Based Nursing, October 2025, BMJ,
DOI: 10.1136/ebnurs-2025-104383.
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