Awareness of Dying: i contesti di consapevolezza del morire

This paper focuses on the analysis of the theory of awareness contexts of Glaser and Strauss and then dwells on the ambiguities of the open awareness of imminent death recalled from some health care professionals interviewed who work within the hospices. After a synthesis of the main peculiarities of each context of awareness, the most recent studies on dying are summarized. Finally, the authors conclude with a reflection on the persistent absence of adequate communication between doctors and the dying persons and a lack of information to-wards the population about palliative care.