DEATH CERTIFICATE SURVEY |
   ✓ large sample of deaths |
   ✓ nationwide (over care settings and causes of death) |
   ✓ stratified disproportionately based on cause of death |
QUESTIONNAIRE |
   ✓ short and validated questionnaire |
   ✓ key questions of ELDs identical to those in earlier studies |
   ✓ emotionally charged terms absent in key questions |
MAILING PROCEDURE |
   ✓ guarantee of anonymity for physicians and patients |
   ✓ response-increasing measures |
   ✓ intensive follow-up mailing |