Andershed, B.

Aim.  To develop a goal-oriented praxis theory for enabling safety for relatives when an adult or older patient is close to end-of-life.

Background.  This is the second part of a project focusing on the situation and needs of relatives in end-of-life care. Our interpretation of the existing corpus of knowledge pertaining to the needs of close relatives in this situation showed the significance of relatives’ need for safety.

Aim. To review systematically research conducted during the past five years focusing on the relatives' situation and needs in end-of-life care. Background and aim. That relatives make a large contribution in the care of the dying is well-known. In this situation, relatives often have to solve many new practical problems in the care as well as dealing with the sorrow of both themselves and the dying person. In recent years, palliative care has been developed in many countries and many new studies have been carried out. Methods.