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Wilkinson C, Llewellyn A, McCabe C. Is there a role for citizen science in death and dying research? Front Public Health 2023; 11:1241239. [PMID: 37794893 PMCID: PMC10546016 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1241239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought conversations about death and dying to the fore in a way not experienced for generations. This raises questions around perceptions of death and dying; the role of healthcare and the community in care; and the use of digital media for information and support. Public engagement can provoke a two-way conversation between researchers and the public and includes techniques that can engage the community not only with the topic but also in research. This perspective article considers the potential role of citizen science in death and dying research, including considerations around its potential benefits and constraints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clare Wilkinson
- Science Communication Unit, College of Health, Science and Society, University of the West of England, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Alison Llewellyn
- Centre for Health and Clinical Research, College of Health, Science and Society, University of the West of England, Bristol, United Kingdom
- Dorothy House Hospice, Winsley, United Kingdom
| | - Candy McCabe
- Centre for Health and Clinical Research, College of Health, Science and Society, University of the West of England, Bristol, United Kingdom
- Dorothy House Hospice, Winsley, United Kingdom
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Jiraphan A, Pitanupong J. General population-based study on preferences towards end-of-life care in Southern Thailand: a cross-sectional survey. Palliat Care 2022; 21:36. [PMID: 35287652 PMCID: PMC8919914 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-022-00926-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background End-of-life care preferences are potentially due to individual choice and feature variation due to culture and beliefs. This study aims to examine end-of-life care preferences and any associated factors, among the general Thai population. This could inform physicians in regards to how to optimize the quality of life for patients that are near the end of their lives. Methods A cross-sectional study surveyed the general population in the Thai province of Songkhla; from January to April 2021. The questionnaires inquired about: 1) demographic information, 2) experiences with end-of-life care for their relatives, and 3) end-of-life care preferences. To determine end-of-life preferences, the data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The data concerning patient demographics and end-of-life care preferences were compared using Fisher’s exact test. Results The majority of the 1037 participants (67.6%) were female. The mean age among the adult and older adult groups were 40.9 ± 12.2, 70.0 ± 5.1, respectively. Half of them (48%) had an experience of observing someone die and 58% were satisfied with the care that their relatives had received. Most participants identified the following major end-of-life care preferences: having loved ones around (98.1%), being free from distressing symptoms (95.8%), receiving the full truth (95.0%), and having meaning in their lives (95.0%). There were no statistically significant differences in regards to end-of-life care preferences apart from being involved in treatment decisions, between adult and older adult groups. Conclusion There was only one difference between the end-of-life preferences of the adult group versus the older adult group in regards to the topic of patient involvement in treatment decisions. Furthermore, receiving the full truth regarding their illness, being free from distressing symptoms, having loved ones around, and living with a sense of meaning were important end-of-life care preferences for both groups. Therefore, these should be taken into account when developing strategies towards improving patient life quality during their end-of-life period.
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Khine TT, Workman B, Pan H, Aung NC. Deployable designs to temporarily convert subacute hospital rooms into palliative care rooms. Australas J Ageing 2021; 40:438-448. [PMID: 34288330 DOI: 10.1111/ajag.12983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the design of deployable articles that can turn subacute hospital rooms into palliative care rooms to provide better patient-centred care and to meet the shortage of dedicated palliative care spaces in Australia. METHODS Clinicians and a design researcher collaborated to review the literature, obtain clinical/practitioner feedback on needs and use design research methods to produce design concepts and prototypes for use in the subacute care hospital setting. RESULTS A design solution that included: (a) A guest-bed module for improved family togetherness and room personalisation; and (b) A digital connectivity module designed to provide family togetherness virtually. CONCLUSIONS Informed design solutions for palliative care spaces were derived from clinical feedback and literature evidence. Clinicians expressed great interest and support for further development and implementation in Victorian hospitals. This exploratory concept also provides insights for future research and innovation in the design of palliative care environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thinn Thinn Khine
- Monash Health. MONARC (Monash Ageing Research Center), Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Barbara Workman
- MONARC, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,Rehabilitation and Aged Care Services, Monash Health, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Hanmei Pan
- Rehabilitation and Aged Care Services, Monash Health, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Nyein Chan Aung
- Monash Design Health Collab, Monash Art Design and Architecture (MADA), Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
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Fliedner MC, Zambrano SC, Eychmueller S. Public perception of palliative care: a survey of the general population. Palliat Care Soc Pract 2021; 15:26323524211017546. [PMID: 34164622 PMCID: PMC8191057 DOI: 10.1177/26323524211017546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The public’s view of palliative care often involves its potential to improve of quality-of-life as well as its use as a last resource prior to death. Objective: To obtain an idea of the image of palliative care held by the public in the German-speaking part of Switzerland, the authors sought to understand (1) the perceptions of palliative care and the (2) elements important when thinking about their own end of life. Methods and Sample: A qualitative design with an inductive reasoning approach based on Mayring (2014) was chosen. Visitors at an exhibition about palliative care in six locations provided hand-written answers on provided cards to two statements: (1) if I hear the term ‘Palliative Care’ I think of … and (2) when thinking about my own end of life, the following is important to me … Results: Answers of 199 visitors (mean age 52, mostly in a good/very good health status) were analysed. In response to hearing the term palliative care, six areas were categorized: (1) the main focus; (2) ways of providing palliative care; (3) the best timing; (4) places where palliative care is provided; (5) who is seen as provider and (6) outcomes of palliative care. Five categories to the statement about their own end-of-life were identified: (1) the ability to look back on a fulfilled life and being satisfied; (2) maintaining trusting relationships until the end; (3) organizing affairs and having everything settled; (4) having their family being cared for and (5) relief of suffering with the support of knowledgeable people. Conclusion: Palliative care was mostly associated with positive terms acknowledging an interprofessional approach. Maintaining one’s dignity as well as dying without suffering pointed at the persisting stigma that palliative care is mainly limited to end-of-life care. The results may help healthcare professionals to better understand how the public view palliative care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica C Fliedner
- University Center for Palliative Care, Department of Oncology, Inselspital, University Hospital Bern, SWAN C518, Freiburgstrasse, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Sofia C Zambrano
- University Center for Palliative Care, Department of Oncology, Inselspital, University Hospital Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Steffen Eychmueller
- University Center for Palliative Care, Department of Oncology, Inselspital, University Hospital Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Westerlund C, Tishelman C, Benkel I, Fürst CJ, Molander U, Rasmussen BH, Sauter S, Lindqvist O. Public awareness of palliative care in Sweden. Scand J Public Health 2018; 46:478-487. [PMID: 29301481 PMCID: PMC5989249 DOI: 10.1177/1403494817751329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the awareness of palliative care (PC) in a general Swedish population. Design: We developed an e-survey based on a similar study conducted in Northern Ireland, consisting of 10 questions. Closed questions were primarily analyzed using descriptive statistics. Open questions were subject to inductive qualitative analysis. Subjects: The study utilized a population sample of 7684 persons aged 18–66, of which 2020 responded, stratified by gender, age and region. Results: Most participants reported ‘no’ (n = 827, 41%) or ‘some’ (n = 863, 43%) awareness of PC. Being female or older were associated with higher levels of awareness, as was a university-level education, working in a healthcare setting and having a friend or family member receiving PC. Most common sources of knowledge were the media, close friends and relatives receiving PC, as well as working in a healthcare setting. Aims of PC were most frequently identified as ‘care before death’, ‘pain relief’, ‘dignity’ and a ‘peaceful death’. The preferred place of care and death was one’s own home. The main barriers to raising awareness about PC were fear, shame and taboo, along with perceived lack of information and/or personal relevance. The term ‘palliative care’ was said to be unfamiliar by many. A number of strategies to enhance awareness and access to PC were suggested, largely reflecting the previously identified barriers. Conclusions: This survey found limited awareness of palliative care in an adult sample of the Swedish general public ≤ 66 years, and points to a more widespread disempowerment surrounding end-of-life issues.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Carol Tishelman
- 2 Department of Learning, Informatics, Management and Ethics/Division of Innovative Care, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,3 Karolinska University Hospital, Innovation Centre, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Inger Benkel
- 4 Palliative Section, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Carl Johan Fürst
- 5 The Institute for Palliative Care, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.,6 Skåne Regional Council, Lund, Sweden
| | - Ulla Molander
- 4 Palliative Section, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden.,7 Palliative Center, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Birgit H Rasmussen
- 5 The Institute for Palliative Care, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.,6 Skåne Regional Council, Lund, Sweden.,8 Department of Health Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Sylvia Sauter
- 9 Research and Development Unit in Palliative Care, Stockholms Sjukhem Foundation, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Olav Lindqvist
- 2 Department of Learning, Informatics, Management and Ethics/Division of Innovative Care, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,10 Department of Nursing, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
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Seymour J. The Impact of Public Health Awareness Campaigns on the Awareness and Quality of Palliative Care. J Palliat Med 2018; 21:S30-S36. [PMID: 29283867 PMCID: PMC5733664 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2017.0391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The right to health includes a right of access to good quality palliative care, but inequalities persist. Raising awareness is a key plank of the public health approach to palliative care, but involves consideration of subjects most of us prefer not to address. This review addresses the question: "do public health awareness campaigns effectively improve the awareness and quality of palliative care"? BACKGROUND The evidence shows that public awareness campaigns can improve awareness of palliative care and probably improve quality of care, but there is a lack of evidence about the latter. METHODS Rapid review and synthesis. RESULTS A comprehensive public awareness campaign about palliative care (including advance care planning and end-of-life decision making) should be based on clear and shared terminology, use well piloted materials, and the full range of mass media to suit different ages, cultures, and religious/spiritual perspectives. Arts and humanities have a role to play in allowing individuals and communities to express experiences of illness, death, and grief and encourage conversation and thoughtful reflection. There is evidence about key factors for success: targeting, networking, and use of specific, measurable, achievable, realistic time-bound objectives; continuous evaluation; and complementarity to national and international policy. DISCUSSION Campaigns should be located within the framework of public health promotion and the synergy between short national mass media campaigns and longer term local community action initiatives carefully considered. National and local projects to raise awareness should identify and address any barriers at the level of individuals, communities, and systems of care, for example, literacy skills and unequal access to resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane Seymour
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Health, University of Sheffield , Sheffield, United Kingdom
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Tishelman C, Lindqvist O, Hajdarevic S, Rasmussen BH, Goliath I. Beyond the visual and verbal: Using participant-produced photographs in research on the surroundings for care at the end-of-life. Soc Sci Med 2016; 168:120-129. [DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2016.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2016] [Revised: 09/08/2016] [Accepted: 09/09/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Dempers C, Gott M. Which public health approach to palliative care? An integrative literature review. PROGRESS IN PALLIATIVE CARE 2016. [DOI: 10.1080/09699260.2016.1189483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Colleen Dempers
- Faculty of Medical and Health Science, University of Auckland, New Zealand
- Cranford Hospice, Hawkes Bay, New Zealand
| | - Merryn Gott
- Faculty of Medical and Health Science, University of Auckland, New Zealand
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Lindqvist O, Tishelman C. Going public: reflections on developing the DöBra research program for health-promoting palliative care in Sweden. PROGRESS IN PALLIATIVE CARE 2016; 24:19-24. [PMID: 27134417 PMCID: PMC4832378 DOI: 10.1080/09699260.2015.1103497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Public health approaches to end-of-life (EoL) research and care are relatively rare in Sweden, and health-promoting palliative care (HPPC) remains a foreign concept for most. We recently consolidated our HPPC endeavors into a cohesive research program, DöBra, to promote constructive change and awareness to support better quality of life and death among the general population, in specific sub-groups, and in interventions directed to professional groups caring for dying individuals, their friends and families. Objectives: In this article, we aim to share ideas, experiences, and reflections from the early stages of this research program, particularly in relation to how we try to work with new 'publics', to contribute to the development of HPPC as a new research field. Methods and Results: We discuss some considerations which arise in the Swedish context, and present the underlying ideas and approaches used in the research program, with examples of their application. HPPC, based on ideas from new public health, is essential as an umbrella for the DöBra program. Action research, experience-based co-design, and knowledge exchange, all aim to bring together a variety of stakeholders to exchange ideas and expertise, and co-create experience-based evidence through knowledge generation, dissemination, and sharing. Discussion: In reflecting on what we have learned about publics and partnerships in EoL research to date, we question distinctions made between professionals and publics, concluding that including publics in public health research, means also including ourselves and making public many of the reflections, the mistakes, and the experiences we all have, to foster collective learning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olav Lindqvist
- Medical Management Center, LIME, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Nursing, Umeå University, Sweden
| | - Carol Tishelman
- Medical Management Center, LIME, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; The Innovation Center, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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