We propose to develop The End-of-Life Family Workshop, a multimedia computer program to aid families in the end-of-life care of a loved one. Research shows that communication and decision-making continues to challenge families of patients facing end of life. Misunderstandings and conflicts can arise when family members are ill equipped to assume the roles of caregiver, proxy, and advocate, which are often thrust upon them as their loved one is dying. The task of guiding families through the dying process has generally fallen to healthcare providers. Too often, however, these healthcare professionals lack the time, resources, and/or the interpersonal skills to fully and sensitively support the family at this difficult time. The End-of-Life Family Workshop is designed to enhance traditional provider-family education by 1) raising family members' awareness of issues and topics that are germane to end-of-life decision-making, and 2) improving communication skills in specific EOL interactions. The Workshop will supplement the information services currently available through the medical community. Deliverable on CD-ROM or via the Internet, this multimedia tool is intended for families, where """"""""family"""""""" includes all persons (relatives and non-relatives) who are important to and interact with the patient at end of life.
