Choose Your Own Ending: An Arts-Informed Action Research on Creating a “Good Death”

Concerns arise as we approach the final days, weeks, and months of our lives. Doctors may be able to give us a medical prognosis of our remaining time on this planet but how do we find the answers to the other questions we may have? Grounded in the literature on what makes a “good death” this arts informed action research project used control, fear, spirituality, relationships, and legacy to create a branching plot style book for dealing with end of life issues. This format is an accessible way for both patients and social workers to discuss and explore ways of discussing these important issues. Description and rationale for use of these methods as well as a preliminary version of the book is presented. Implications for social work practice and further research, which include field testing this research product, are also presented