The West Virginia medical journal
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To assess concerns and self-reported competencies in end-of-life (EOL) care, we surveyed a random sample of West Virginia physicians and received 255 responses (33%). Those responding identified three major barriers to good EOL care: patient and family demands for all possible treatments, lack of physician education and inadequate financing. ⋯ Most respondents rated the overall quality of EOL care in West Virginia as fair to poor. We conclude that physician respondents recognize the need to improve their knowledge and skills in EOL care to improve the care of the dying in West Virginia.