Aims: To test the feasibility of surveying bereaved next-of-kin about their perceptions of end-of-life care for people over 18 years of age; to report results; and to identify issues for future research. 

Method: The study used the VOICES (Views of Informal Carers Evaluation of Services) questionnaire from the United Kingdom, adapted for use in Aotearoa New Zealand.  Identification of next-of-kin for all South Island deaths September-November 2017 was undertaken with 1,813 eligible people identified and 272 (15.0%) next-of-kin unable to be traced.  Surveys were posted out once only, with options to complete by mail, online, by telephone or with a face-to-face interview. 

Results: Of the 1,541 surveys distributed, 514 (33.4%) were completed. Results confirmed the suitability of the locally modified VOICES instrument and research process. The quality of care overall was rated most highly in hospice or own home, but only a minority were able to die in these settings. Nevertheless relatives indicated that most people died ‘in the best place’.  The Survey sought feedback on the medical and nursing aspects to care but relatives wished to offer comment on allied health professionals, lawyers and accountants who also support families with planning for end-of-life.

Conclusions: The VOICES questionnaire is acceptable to respondents.  Aspects of the questionnaire require modification before wider use, recommending a section for sudden deaths, and seeking opinions on support outside the medical and nursing professions would acknowledge and be more respectful of interprofessional collaborative practice offering a holistic lens to end-of-life care.