Since 1992, CSR has been involved in a dozen studies focusing on the end of life care received by terminally ill patients. These have involved interviews with caregivers; physicians, residents, and medical students; bereaved family members and friends; members of the general public; and, in one study, the terminally ill themselves. Our research has pursued information on hot button issues such as euthanasia, advance care directives, and the proper management of pain, as well as, on some less controversial issues associated with the end of life care training received by medical students and residents.

In one large national study based on a random selection of death certificates, we conducted over 1500 interviews with the next of kin of the deceased in 21 states order to investigate standards of care by place of death (home, nursing home, hospital). In two other studies, we worked with the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization to create questionnaires with standard questions that allow cross-hospice assessments of performance both prior to and after an individual's death. In each of these research efforts the goal of finding ways to improve the care for the dying was paramount. The American Cancer Society, the American Society of Clinical Oncologists, and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality are among the funders of these studies.