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Hauschildt KE. Whose Good Death? Valuation and Standardization as Mechanisms of Inequality in Hospitals. JOURNAL OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL BEHAVIOR 2024; 65:221-236. [PMID: 36523154 PMCID: PMC10267289 DOI: 10.1177/00221465221143088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Although most clinicians have come to perceive invasive life-sustaining treatments as overly aggressive at the end of life, some of the public and greater proportions of some socially disadvantaged groups have not. Drawing on 1,500+ hours of observation in four intensive care units and 69 interviews with physicians and patients' family members, I find inequality occurs through two mechanisms complementary to the cultural health capital and fundamental causes explanations prevalent in existing health disparities literature: in valuation, as the attitudes and values of the socially disadvantaged are challenged and ignored, and in standardization, as the outcomes preferred by less advantaged groups are defined as inappropriate and made harder to obtain by the informal and formal practices and policies of racialized organizations. I argue inequality is produced in part because wealthier and White elites shape institutional preferences and practices and, therefore, institutions and clinical standards to reflect their cultural tastes.
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Vijay D, Koksvik GH. Waiting for Care and Community Organizing for Serious Health-Related Suffering in Kerala, India. Med Anthropol 2024; 43:338-352. [PMID: 38753501 DOI: 10.1080/01459740.2024.2351066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
We explore the temporalities that shape and alleviate serious health-related suffering among those with chronic and terminal conditions in Kerala, India. Drawing on ethnographic fieldwork between 2009 and 2019, we examine the entanglements between waiting for care within dominant institutions and the community organizing that palliates this waiting. Specifically, people navigate multiple medical institutions, experience loneliness and abandonment, loss of autonomy, and delays and denials of recognition as they wait for care. Community palliative care organizations offering free, routine, home-based care provide samadhanam (peace of mind) and swatantrayam (self-determination) in lifeworlds mired with chronic waiting. We document how community care sustains an alternative politics of shared time, untethered from marketized notions of efficiency and productivity toward profits. In so doing, we cast in high relief community healthcare imaginaries that alleviate serious health-related suffering and reconfigure Global North-centric perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devi Vijay
- Indian Institute of Management Calcutta Kolkata, India
| | - Gitte H Koksvik
- Department of Social Anthropology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) Trondheim, Norway
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3
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Sperling D. "People aren't happy to see refugees coming to Switzerland. They don't like assisted suicide for foreigners": Organizations' perspectives regarding the right-to-die and suicide tourism. DEATH STUDIES 2024:1-15. [PMID: 38602817 DOI: 10.1080/07481187.2024.2337209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
The practice of suicide tourism refers to the traveling of individuals to other countries to seek legally permitted assisted suicide. This study employed a descriptive qualitative research approach exploring how right-to-die organizations perceive suicide tourism and its implications on the right-to-die. Five themes emerged following the analysis of 12 in-depth interviews with activists from right-to-die organizations and 13 relevant documents: (1) unequivocal attitudes toward suicide tourism; (2) relationships between the organizations and the media; (3) acting to change the legal status of the right-to-die; (4) the role of the family in interactions between the organization and the person seeking assistance; and (5) reciprocal relations between the organizations and the physicians. The findings reveal ambivalent attitudes within such organizations toward suicide tourism, inherent tension among participating physicians, and complex relationships between assisted suicide, palliative care, and the physicians' duty to promote individual choice at end-of-life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Sperling
- Department of Nursing, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
- Head, Master's Program in Nursing, The Cheryl Spencer Department of Nursing, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
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Samuels A, Lemos Dekker N. Palliative care practices and policies in diverse socio-cultural contexts: aims and framework of the ERC globalizing palliative care comparative ethnographic study. Palliat Care Soc Pract 2023; 17:26323524231198546. [PMID: 37706167 PMCID: PMC10496469 DOI: 10.1177/26323524231198546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Palliative care as a specialist professional practice of care for people with advanced illness is becoming increasingly influential worldwide. This process is affected by global health inequalities as well as cultural dimensions of approaching death and practicing care in life-limiting illness. Objectives The European Research Council-funded Globalizing Palliative Care (ENDofLIFE) project aims to understand how palliative care policies, discourses and practices are translated, adapted and reconstituted in diverse socio-cultural settings and how cultural dimensions of approaching death and local practices of care shape palliative care implementation. Methods and Analysis Using a multi-scalar and multi-sited ethnographic approach, the project uses person-centered ethnography, participant observation, semi-structured interviewing, focus group discussions and policy and discourse analysis at transnational, national and local levels. Ethnographic case-studies are conducted in Brazil, India and Indonesia. Discussion The globalizing palliative care project develops a novel ethnographic methodology of studying end-of-life care trajectories through long-term participant observation with individual patients and families as they manage and practice formal and informal health care in advanced illness. By analyzing how patients and families experience and navigate care over time, complemented by stakeholder interviews, the study advances critical theoretical insight into the relation between (large-scale and dynamically traveling) palliative care models, policies and discourses on the one hand and the experience and practice of palliative care in the lives of patients and informal care givers in local health care practices on the other hand. Insights are expected to benefit culturally situated palliative care policies and practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annemarie Samuels
- Institute of Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology, Leiden University, Wassenaarseweg 52, Leiden, 2333 AK, The Netherlands
| | - Natashe Lemos Dekker
- Institute of Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
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Mair CA, Thygesen LC, Aldridge M, Tay DL, Ornstein KA. End-of-Life Experiences Among "Kinless" Older Adults: A Nationwide Register-Based Study. J Palliat Med 2023; 26:1056-1063. [PMID: 36893217 PMCID: PMC10440640 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2022.0490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The population of older adults who are unpartnered and childless (i.e., "kinless") is increasing across the globe, and may be at risk for lower quality end-of-life (EoL) experiences due to lack of family support, assistance, and advocacy. Yet, little research exists on the EoL experiences of "kinless" older adults. Objectives: To document associations between family structure (i.e., presence or absence of partner or child) and intensity of EoL experiences (i.e., visits to medicalized settings before death). Design: The study design is a cross-sectional population-based register study of the population of Denmark. Subjects: Participants include all adults age 60 years and older who died of natural causes in Denmark from 2009 to 2016 (n = 137,599 decedents). Results: "Kinless" older adults (reference = has partner, has child) were the least likely group to visit the hospital (two or more times; odds ratio [OR] = 0.74, confidence interval [CI] = 0.70-0.77), emergency department (one or more times; OR = 0.90, CI = 0.86-0.93), and intensive care unit (one or more times; OR = 0.71, CI = 0.67-0.75) before death. Conclusions: "Kinless" older adults in Denmark were less likely to experience medically intensive care at the EoL. Further research is needed to understand factors associated with this pattern to ensure that all individuals receive high quality EoL care regardless of their family structure and family tie availability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine A. Mair
- Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Public Health, University of Maryland Baltimore County, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Lau C. Thygesen
- National Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Melissa Aldridge
- Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Djin L. Tay
- College of Nursing, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Katherine A. Ornstein
- Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
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Şener Ş, Dikmen Y. Attitudes and Behaviors of Palliative Care Nurses on Euthanasia. FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE JOURNAL OF NURSING 2023; 31:S66-S70. [PMID: 37162057 PMCID: PMC10919223 DOI: 10.5152/fnjn.2023.23056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
This review was planned to present an overview of the findings in the scientific literature on euthanasia, palliative care, and nurses' attitudes and behaviors. A literature search was done in "EBSCO," "PubMed" databases, and "Google Scholar" search engines. In the study, a search was made between January and March 2023 using the keywords "palliative care," "euthanasia," and "nurse attitudes." Articles published in English and accessible were included in the research. Palliative care practices differ according to the health system, socioeconomic status, cultural conditions, geographical location, and education levels of countries On the other hand, discussions on the integration of euthanasia into palliative care practices continue. While palliative care practices differentiate in countries where euthanasia has been legalized, scientific, legal, religious, and ethical discussions continue in countries where euthanasia is not legal. There are many different variables, such as age, gender, professional experience, and cultural and religious factors, that affect nurses' attitudes and behaviors on this issue. It can be suggested that the results of the research, which will evaluate the factors affecting the attitudes of nurses toward euthanasia, death and terminally ill patients, include social changes in order to provide a literature and database in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Şenay Şener
- Safranbolu State Hospital, Infection Control Nurse, Karabük, Turkey
| | - Yurdanur Dikmen
- Department of Nursing, Sakarya University of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Sakarya, Turkey
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Alshehri HH, Wolf A, Öhlén J, Olausson S. Healthcare Professionals' Perspective on Palliative Care in Intensive Care Settings: An Interpretive Descriptive Study. Glob Qual Nurs Res 2022; 9:23333936221138077. [PMID: 36507302 PMCID: PMC9729985 DOI: 10.1177/23333936221138077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
There is a growing need to integrate palliative care into intensive care units and to develop appropriate knowledge translation strategies. However, multiple challenges persist in attempts to achieve this objective. In this study, we aimed to explore intensive care professionals' perspectives on providing palliative and end-of-life care within an intensive care context. We used an interpretive description approach and interviewed 36 intensive care professionals at four hospitals in Saudi Arabia. Our findings reflect a discourse about end-of-life care driven by a do-not-resuscitate classification and challenges associated with family involvement in care goals. We provide key insights of importance for the development of strategies for the integration and knowledge translation of palliative care into intensive care contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanan Hamdan Alshehri
- Institute of Health and Care Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
- Hanan Hamdan Alshehri, University of Gothenburg Sahlgrenska Academy, Box 457 405 30 Göteborg, Goteborg 405 30, Sweden. Emails: ;
| | - Axel Wolf
- Institute of Health and Care Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
- University of Gothenburg and Region Västra Götaland, Sahlgrenska University Hospital/Östra, Sweden
| | - Joakim Öhlén
- Institute of Health and Care Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
- University of Gothenburg and Palliative Centre, Sahlgrenska University Hospital Region Västra Götaland, Sweden
| | - Sepideh Olausson
- Institute of Health and Care Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
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Gott M, Wiles J, Mason K, Moeke-Maxwell T. Creating 'safe spaces': A qualitative study to explore enablers and barriers to culturally safe end-of-life care. Palliat Med 2022; 37:520-529. [PMID: 36415017 PMCID: PMC10074738 DOI: 10.1177/02692163221138621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Internationally, efforts are being made to promote equity in palliative and end-of-life care for Indigenous peoples. There is a need to better understand the experiences of Indigenous service users and staff. AIM To explore the views of Māori health practitioners and whānau (family group) caregivers regarding barriers and enablers to culturally safe palliative and end-of-life care. DESIGN A Kaupapa Māori qualitative study. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS Interviews were conducted with 103 participants from four areas of the North Island of Aotearoa New Zealand. Participants comprised bereaved whānau (family) of Māori with a life limiting illness and Māori health practitioners. RESULTS Māori health practitioners undertake cultural and connecting work to promote culturally safe palliative and end-of-life care for Māori patients and their whānau. This work is time-consuming and emotionally and culturally demanding and, for most, unpaid and unrecognised. Non-Māori staff can support this work by familiarising themselves with te reo Māori (the Māori language) and respecting cultural care customs. However, achieving culturally safe end-of-life care necessitates fundamental structural change and shared decision-making. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate that efforts to support equitable palliative care for Indigenous people should recognise, and support, the existing efforts of health practitioners from these communities. Colleagues from non-Indigenous populations can support this work in a range of ways. Cultural safety must be appropriately resourced and embedded within health systems if aspirations of equitable palliative and end-of-life care are to be realised.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merryn Gott
- Te Ārai Palliative Care and End of Life Research Group, The School of Nursing, The University of Auckland, Grafton, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Janine Wiles
- Te Ārai Palliative Care and End of Life Research Group, The School of Population Health, The University of Auckland, Grafton, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Kathleen Mason
- Te Ārai Palliative Care and End of Life Research Group, The School of Nursing, The University of Auckland, Grafton, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Tess Moeke-Maxwell
- Te Ārai Palliative Care and End of Life Research Group, The School of Nursing, The University of Auckland, Grafton, Auckland, New Zealand
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Whitelaw S, Bell A, Clark D. The expression of 'policy' in palliative care: A critical review. Health Policy 2022; 126:889-898. [PMID: 35840439 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthpol.2022.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The importance of 'policy' within palliative care has steadily increased over the past 25 years. Whilst this has been welcomed within the palliative care field and seen as a route to greater recognition, we focus here on a more critical perspective that challenge the effectiveness of a 'policy turn' in palliative care. Applying Bacchi's "What's the Problem Represented to Be?" (WPR) framework to data from a systematic search, we address the research question, "in what ways has 'policy' been articulated in palliative care literature?". The paper describes the construction of 'the problem' context and reflects critically on the robustness and pragmatic utility of such representations. In particular, we identify five elements as prominent and problematic: (1) a lack of empirical evidence that connects policy to practice; (2) the dominance of 'Global North' approaches; (3) the use of a policy narrative based on 'catastrophe' in justifying the need for palliative care; (4) the use of idealistic and aspirational 'calls to action'; and (5) a disengaged and antagonistic orientation to existing health systems. We conclude by suggesting that the efficacy of palliative care policy could be enhanced via greater emphases on 'Global South' perspectives, 'assets-based' approaches and attention to pragmatic implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandy Whitelaw
- School of Interdisciplinary Studies, University of Glasgow, Dumfries Campus, Dumfries, DG1 4ZL, United Kingdom.
| | - Anthony Bell
- School of Interdisciplinary Studies, University of Glasgow, Dumfries Campus, Dumfries, DG1 4ZL, United Kingdom
| | - David Clark
- School of Interdisciplinary Studies, University of Glasgow, Dumfries Campus, Dumfries, DG1 4ZL, United Kingdom
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Lintott L, Beringer R, Do A, Daudt H. A rapid review of end-of-life needs in the LGBTQ+ community and recommendations for clinicians. Palliat Med 2022; 36:609-624. [PMID: 35176932 PMCID: PMC9006390 DOI: 10.1177/02692163221078475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer plus (LGBTQ+) adults face challenges accessing end-of-life care. Understanding the experiences of LGBTQ+ persons within the end-of-life context is crucial in addressing their needs and supporting equity at end of life. AIM Review recent literature documenting the experiences of LGBTQ+ adults nearing end-of-life, identifying needs, barriers to care, and translating this into clinical recommendations. DESIGN A rapid review design was chosen for prompt results. The process was streamlined by limiting the literature search to peer-reviewed articles, dissertations, theses, by date and language. Data collection used a predetermined set of items based on Meyer's Minority Stress and Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Models including participants' voices, needs, and barriers. Thematic analysis of collected data was conducted and presented results in a narrative summary. DATA SOURCES We searched six electronic databases (PubMed, Medline, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses A&I, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses, Open Access Theses and Dissertations, CINAHL, and Google Scholar) for articles published from 2016 to 2020. RESULTS We included and appraised for quality 33 articles. We uncovered three latent themes: systemic barriers, a lack of lived experience within the literature, and treatment of LGBTQ+ as one homogeneous group. CONCLUSIONS The hybrid Meyer's Minority Stress and Bronfenbrenner Ecological model elucidated how stressors and social contexts may impact LGBTQ+ adults when accessing end-of-life care. Incorporating LGBTQ+ cultural competence training into continuing education and ensuring that LGBTQ+ individuals participate in the development of end-of-life care programming may better attend to the needs of this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Lintott
- School of Public Health and Social Policy, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Robert Beringer
- School of Public Health and Social Policy, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada.,CIHR Health Systems Impact Postdoctoral Fellow/Victoria Hospice and The Institute on Aging and Lifelong Health, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Annie Do
- Community Education Facilitator, Research and Education, Victoria Hospice, University of British Columbia, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Helena Daudt
- Director of Education and Research, Victoria Hospice, Victoria, BC, Canada
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Croker A, Fisher K, Hungerford P, Gourlay J, May J, Lees S, Chapman J. Developing a meta-understanding of 'human aspects' of providing palliative care. Palliat Care Soc Pract 2022; 16:26323524221083679. [PMID: 35281714 PMCID: PMC8915236 DOI: 10.1177/26323524221083679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives: Our intention was to develop a meta-understanding of the ‘human aspects’ of providing palliative care. Integral to developing this meta-understanding was recognising the individuality of people, their varied involvements, situations, understandings, and responses, and the difficulty in stepping back to get a whole view of this while being in the midst of providing palliative care. We intended for this meta-understanding to inform reflections and sense-making conversations related to people’s changing situations and diverse needs. Methods: Using collaborative inquiry, this qualitative research was undertaken ‘with’ clinicians rather than ‘on’ them. Our team (n = 7) was composed of palliative care clinicians and researchers from a co-located rural health service and university. We explored our personal perceptions and experiences through a series of 12 meetings over 8 months. In addition, through five focus groups, we acccessed perceptions and experiences of 13 purposively sampled participants with a range of roles as carers and/or healthcare providers. Data were dialogically and iteratively interpreted. Findings: Our meta-understanding of ‘human aspects’ of providing palliative care, represented diagrammatically in a model, is composed of ATTRIBUTES OF HUMANITY and ACTIONS OF CARING. ATTRIBUTES OF HUMANITY are death’s inevitability, suffering’s variability, compassion’s dynamic nature, and hope’s precariousness. ACTIONS OF CARING include recognising and responding, aligning expectations, valuing relationships, and using resources wisely. The meta-understanding is a framework to keep multiple complex concepts ‘in view’ as they interrelate with each other. Significance of findings: Our meta-understanding, highlighting ‘human aspects’ of providing palliative care, has scope to embrace complexity, uncertainty, and the interrelatedness of people in the midst of resourcing, requiring, and engaging in palliative care. Questions are posed for this purpose. The non-linear diagrammatic representation of ATTRIBUTES OF HUMANITY and ACTIONS OF CARING facilitates multiple ways of engaging and revisiting palliative care situations or navigating changes within and across them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Croker
- Department of Rural Health (UONDRH), The University of Newcastle, 114 - 148 Johnston Street, Tamworth, NSW 2340, Australia
| | - Karin Fisher
- Department of Rural Health (UONDRH), The University of Newcastle, Tamworth, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Jonathan Gourlay
- Hunter New England Local Health District, Tamworth, NSW, Australia
| | - Jennifer May
- Department of Rural Health (UONDRH), The University of Newcastle, Tamworth, NSW, Australia
| | - Shannon Lees
- Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
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The Relationship between Practitioners and Caregivers during a Treatment of Palliative Care: A Grounded Theory of a Challenging Collaborative Process. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18158081. [PMID: 34360374 PMCID: PMC8345580 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18158081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The possibility of coming to a “good death” is a challenging issue that crosses ethical and religious beliefs, cultural assumptions, as well as medical expertise. The provision of palliative care for relieving patients’ pain is a practice that reshapes the path to the event of death and gives form to a particular context of awareness, recalling the notion proposed by Glaser and Strauss. This decision redesigns the relationships between patients, practitioners and caregivers and introduces a new pattern of collaboration between them. Our study focuses on the implications of the collaboration between practitioners and caregivers, starting from the assumption that the latter may provide support to their loved ones and to the practitioners, but need to be supported too. We provide a qualitative analysis of this collaboration based on an empirical research that took place in four different settings of provision of palliative care, reporting the contrast between the affective engagement of caregivers and the professional approach of practitioners. We claim that this ambivalent collaboration, while embedded in contingent and incommensurable experiences, brings to the fore the broader understanding of the path to a “good death,” outlining its societal representation as a collective challenge.
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13
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Andrews GJ. Re-imagining world: From human health in the world to 'all-world health'. Health Place 2021; 71:102620. [PMID: 34330008 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2021.102620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
This article explores the concept of 'world' as it frequently appears across health studies; specifically largely humanistic and phenomenological variations in use of 'the world' and 'lifeworld' are considered as they have helped cast knowledge on health and care. Looking forward, it is argued that world might be reimagined post-humanistically and post-phenomenologically as a vital emergent material entity and property. This is a reimagination that pays dividends by drawing attention to all-world processes and productions, hence to 'all-world health'. On one level, all-world health involves consideration of the healths of all the world's material and biological entities (all parts of the world). On another level, all-world health involves understanding what an entity gains from its total surround as it moves through life (all parts of its world). Together these levels provide a more processual, relational and holistic understanding of health than that provided by traditional notions of human health states, determinants or meanings, and even by some environmental (ist) ideas on health. All-world health arguably provides a vision of interrelatedness on which greater unity, cooperation and care might be built.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gavin J Andrews
- Department of Health, Aging and Society KTH, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, L8S 4M4, Canada.
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Blouin S, Gerson SM, Cavalli S. Assistance in dying across borders: How the transnational circulations of persons, terms and themes influence the construction of a public problem. DEATH STUDIES 2021; 46:1557-1568. [PMID: 34086542 DOI: 10.1080/07481187.2021.1926632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Assistance in dying has become a transnational issue debated and lawfully practiced in several jurisdictions around the world. This article focuses on persons, terms and themes that circulate from one context authorizing assistance in dying to another. Building on Joseph Gusfield's concepts of judgment, ownership and responsibility, we explore how national debates on assistance in dying draw on transnational circulations which are instrumental in the construction of this issue as a public problem. Adopting a transnational lens shows that local public problems of assistance in dying should not be apprehended in isolation nor compared as independent contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Blouin
- Department of sociology, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
- Institut de sciences sociales des religions, Université de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Sheri Mila Gerson
- Compassionate Care Counseling & Consulting, PLLC, Olympia, Washington, USA
| | - Stefano Cavalli
- Centre of Competence on Ageing, University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland, Manno, Switzerland
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Sudbury-Riley L, Hunter-Jones P. Facilitating inter-professional integration in palliative care: A service ecosystem perspective. Soc Sci Med 2021; 277:113912. [PMID: 33866083 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2021.113912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
A paradigm shift toward healthcare inter-professional collaboration is leading to searches for ways to better facilitate integration. However, policy rhetoric often fails to acknowledge the complexity of healthcare service systems, and the difficulties involved in achieving successful collaborations. Consequently, more research is called for. We utilize the concept of a service ecosystem, a perspective currently prominent in service science, which is transforming the ways service systems are studied. This research aims to examine palliative care provision through a service ecosystem lens in order to uncover previously unidentified insights and opportunities for improvement. The palliative care ecosystem under study encompasses a defined geographical area of the UK. Data comprises pathographies (i.e., narratives of illness) with patients and their families (n = 31) and in-depth interviews with a variety of palliative care providers (n = 21), collected between 2017 and 2018. Capability issues comprising collaboration, coordination, and resource integration, together with communicating value all emerged as common themes impacting palliative care services. Taking a service ecosystem perspective, we also found shared intentionality for better integration and collaboration, with a desire among palliative care providers for the ecosystem's hospice organization to take the role of leader and facilitator. Acting on these findings, we demonstrate the ways new institutional arrangements provide a foundation for value cocreation. We make a contribution to the burgeoning service ecosystem literature which currently lacks empirical insights, particularly in health. We argue that in complex service systems such as healthcare, the focus must be on service design rather than organizational design, approached from the perspective of aggregation of service providers. We demonstrate empirically how reconfiguring resources and developing new institutional arrangements at the meso level can change micro-macro level interaction, enabling the emergence of new and enhanced value cocreation in palliative care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynn Sudbury-Riley
- University of Liverpool Management School, Chatham Street, Liverpool, L69 7ZH, UK.
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Sprung CL, Jennerich AL, Joynt GM, Michalsen A, Curtis JR, Efferen LS, Leonard S, Metnitz B, Mikstacki A, Patil N, McDermid RC, Metnitz P, Mularski RA, Bulpa P, Avidan A. The Influence of Geography, Religion, Religiosity and Institutional Factors on Worldwide End-of-Life Care for the Critically Ill: The WELPICUS Study. J Palliat Care 2021:8258597211002308. [PMID: 33818159 DOI: 10.1177/08258597211002308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the association between provider religion and religiosity and consensus about end-of-life care and explore if geographical and institutional factors contribute to variability in practice. MATERIALS AND METHODS Using a modified Delphi method 22 end-of-life issues consisting of 35 definitions and 46 statements were evaluated in 32 countries in North America, South America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia, Australia and South Africa. A multidisciplinary, expert group from specialties treating patients at the end-of-life within each participating institution assessed the association between 7 key statements and geography, religion, religiosity and institutional factors likely influencing the development of consensus. RESULTS Of 3049 participants, 1366 (45%) responded. Mean age of respondents was 45 ± 9 years and 55% were females. Following 2 Delphi rounds, consensus was obtained for 77 (95%) of 81 definitions and statements. There was a significant difference in responses across geographical regions. South African and North American respondents were more likely to encourage patients to write advance directives. Fewer Eastern European and Asian respondents agreed with withdrawing life-sustaining treatments without consent of patients or surrogates. While respondent's religion, years in practice or institution did not affect their agreement, religiosity, physician specialty and responsibility for end-of-life decisions did. CONCLUSIONS Variability in agreement with key consensus statements about end-of-life care is related primarily to differences among providers, with provider-level variations related to differences in religiosity and specialty. Geography also plays a role in influencing some end-of-life practices. This information may help understanding ethical dilemmas and developing culturally sensitive end-of-life care strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles L Sprung
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care Medicine, and Pain Medicine, Hadassah Medical Center, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Ann L Jennerich
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Harborview Medical Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Gavin M Joynt
- Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Andrej Michalsen
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Tettnang Hospital, Tettnang, Germany
| | - J Randall Curtis
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Harborview Medical Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Linda S Efferen
- Department of Medicine, Stony Brook Medicine, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Sara Leonard
- Department of Anaesthesia and Critical Care, King's College Hospital, London, UK
| | - Barbara Metnitz
- Austrian Centre for Documentation and Quality Assurance in Intensive Care Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Adam Mikstacki
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Namrata Patil
- Division of Thoracic Surgery and Division of Trauma, Burn and Critical Care, Department of Surgery, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Robert C McDermid
- Division of Critical Care, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Philipp Metnitz
- Clinical Department of General Anaesthesiology, Emergency and Intensive Care Medicine, LKH-University Hospital of Graz, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Richard A Mularski
- The Center for Health Research Kaiser Permanente Northwest, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Pierre Bulpa
- Intensive Care Unit of Mont-Godinne University Hospital, CHU UCL Namur, Université Catholique de Louvain, Yvoir, Belgium
| | - Alexander Avidan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care Medicine, and Pain Medicine, Hadassah Medical Center, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
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Schofield G, Dittborn M, Huxtable R, Brangan E, Selman LE. Real-world ethics in palliative care: A systematic review of the ethical challenges reported by specialist palliative care practitioners in their clinical practice. Palliat Med 2021; 35:315-334. [PMID: 33302783 PMCID: PMC7897798 DOI: 10.1177/0269216320974277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ethical issues arise daily in the delivery of palliative care. Despite much (largely theoretical) literature, evidence from specialist palliative care practitioners about day-to-day ethical challenges has not previously been synthesised. This evidence is crucial to inform education and adequately support staff. AIM To synthesise the evidence regarding the ethical challenges which specialist palliative care practitioners encounter during clinical practice. DESIGN Systematic review with narrative synthesis (PROSPERO registration CRD42018105365). Quality was dual-assessed using the Mixed-Methods Appraisal Tool. Tabulation, textural description, concept mapping and thematic synthesis were used to develop and present the narrative. DATA SOURCES Seven databases (MEDLINE, Philosopher's Index, EMBASE, PsycINFO, LILACS, Web of Science and CINAHL) were searched from inception to December 2019 without language limits. Eligible papers reported original research using inductive methods to describe practitioner-reported ethical challenges. RESULTS A total of 8074 records were screened. Thirteen studies from nine countries were included. Challenges were organised into six themes: application of ethical principles; delivering clinical care; working with families; engaging with institutional structures and values; navigating societal values and expectations; philosophy of palliative care. Challenges related to specific scenarios/contexts rather than the application of general ethical principles, and occurred at all levels (bedside, institution, society, policy). CONCLUSION Palliative care practitioners encounter a broad range of contextual ethical challenges, many of which are not represented in palliative care ethics training resources, for example, navigating institutional policies, resource allocation and inter-professional conflict. Findings have implications for supporting ethical practice and training practitioners. The lack of low- and middle- income country data needs addressing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guy Schofield
- Centre for Ethics in Medicine, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Mariana Dittborn
- Paediatric Bioethics Service, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK
| | - Richard Huxtable
- Centre for Ethics in Medicine, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Emer Brangan
- Health and Applied Sciences, University of West England, Bristol, UK
| | - Lucy Ellen Selman
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, UK
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A Network Analysis of Research Topics and Trends in End-of-Life Care and Nursing. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18010313. [PMID: 33406715 PMCID: PMC7795048 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18010313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Revised: 12/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
This study identified the trends in end-of-life care and nursing through text network analysis. About 18,935 articles published until September 2019 were selected through searches on PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, Web of Science, and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature. For topic modeling, Latent Dirichlet Allocation (K = 8) was applied. Most of the top ranked topic words for the degree and betweenness centralities were consistent with the top 1% through the semantic network diagram. Among the important keywords examined every five years, "care" was unrivaled. When analyzing the two- and three-word combinations, there were many themes representing places, roles, and actions. As a result of performing topic modeling, eight topics were derived as ethical issues of decision-making for treatment withdrawal, symptom management to improve the quality of life, development of end-of-life knowledge education programs, life-sustaining care plan for elderly patients, home-based hospice, communication experience, patient symptom investigation, and an analysis of considering patient preferences. This study is meaningful as it analyzed a large amount of existing literature and considered the main trends of end-of-life care and nursing research based on the core subject control and semantic structure.
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Williams L, Dewes O, Gott M. I heard it on the radio: supporting Pacific family carers through the development of culturally appropriate resources, a descriptive qualitative study. PROGRESS IN PALLIATIVE CARE 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/09699260.2020.1841876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Williams
- School of Nursing, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Ofanaite Dewes
- School of Nursing, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Merryn Gott
- School of Nursing, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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20
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Vijay D, Whitelaw S, Clark D. Logic Conflicts in Community-Based Palliative Care. PROGRESS IN PALLIATIVE CARE 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/09699260.2020.1817691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Devi Vijay
- Indian Institute of Management Calcutta, Kolkata, India
| | - Sandy Whitelaw
- School of Interdisciplinary Studies, University of Glasgow, Scotland, UK
| | - David Clark
- School of Interdisciplinary Studies, University of Glasgow, Scotland, UK
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Clark D, Inbadas H, Seymour J. International transfer and translation of an end of life care intervention: the case of the Liverpool Care Pathway for the dying patient. Wellcome Open Res 2020; 5:256. [PMID: 33344784 PMCID: PMC7726848 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.16321.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We explore how and why the Liverpool Care Pathway (LCP) for the dying patient was transferred to 20 countries beyond the UK, and with what consequences for policy and practice. Our paper synthesises findings from 95 publications contained in a historical narrative literature review on the implementation of the LCP outside the United Kingdom, alongside data from 18 qualitative interviews with 19 key actors involved with the LCP in 14 countries. We use the review to explore the timelines and patterns of development and implementation in the specific countries, to consider what forms of research and evaluation about the LCP were undertaken to establish its effectiveness, and to summarise the resulting findings and their consequences. We use the interviews to gain insights into the elements, processes and dynamics that shaped the transfer and translation of the LCP from one location to another, across national boundaries. Using six questions from the policy transfer literature we then explain who were the key actors involved; what was transferred; from where lessons were drawn; the different degrees of transfer that took place; what restricted or facilitated transfer; and how transfer was related to 'success' or 'failure'. We conclude that the spread of the LCP took place mostly in prosperous countries, and was sustained over around 15 years. It took in differing geographies and cultures, and a variety of linguistic, policy and practice contexts. If it did not succeed in a wider transformational goal, it appears to have been well received and perceived as beneficial in many contexts, largely avoiding accusations of mis-use and harm that had occurred in the UK, and in some cases fostering a sustained international collaboration and ongoing use of local variants, even after withdrawal in its country of origin in 2014.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Clark
- School of Interdisciplinary Studies, University of Glasgow, Dumfries, DG2 0XY, UK
| | - Hamilton Inbadas
- School of Interdisciplinary Studies, University of Glasgow, Dumfries, DG2 0XY, UK
| | - Jane Seymour
- Health Sciences School, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S10 2HQ, UK
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22
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Borgstrom E. What is a good death? A critical discourse policy analysis. BMJ Support Palliat Care 2020:bmjspcare-2019-002173. [PMID: 32631959 DOI: 10.1136/bmjspcare-2019-002173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2020] [Revised: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The concept of a good death is a motivating factor for end of life care policy; this article examines what English end-of-life care (EOLC) policy defines as a good death. METHODS Critical discourse analysis of policy documents and policy-promoting materials published between 2008 and 2016. RESULTS Policy explicitly defines a good death as having the following attributes: being treated as an individual, with dignity and respect; being without pain and other symptoms; being in familiar surroundings and being in the company of close family and/or friends. Critical discourse analysis of 54 documents found that rather than just being an outcome or event, descriptions of what makes a death good also include many processes. A more extended definition includes: the person receives holistic EOLC; the dying person is treated with dignity and respect; the death is not sudden and unexpected; people are prepared and have ideally done some advance care planning; people are aware that someone is dying and openly discuss this; on knowing the dying person's preferences, all involved are to work towards achieving these; the place of death is important; the person's family are involved and the needs of the bereaved are considered. CONCLUSION This analysis indicates the complex nature of the current discourses around good death in EOLC policy, which often focuses on care rather than death. Policy should focus on outlining what quality end-of-life care looks like, rather than assume 'good death' is a suitable outcome statement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica Borgstrom
- School of Health, Wellbeing and Social Care, Open University, Milton Keynes, UK
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23
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Wegleitner K, Schuchter P, Prieth S. 'Ingredients' of a supportive web of caring relationships at the end of life: findings from a community research project in Austria. SOCIOLOGY OF HEALTH & ILLNESS 2020; 42:987-1000. [PMID: 29700832 PMCID: PMC7379933 DOI: 10.1111/1467-9566.12738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
In accordance with the pluralisation of life plans in late modernity, the societal organisation of care at the end of life is diverse. Although the public discourse in western societies is dominated by questions about optimising specialised palliative care services, public health approaches, which take into account the social determinants and inequalities in end-of-life care, have gained in importance over the last decade. Conceptual aspects, dimensions of impact and benefit for the dying and their communities are well discussed in the public health end-of-life care research literature. Our research focuses on the preconditions of a supportive caring web in order to understand how communities can build on their social capital to deal with existential uncertainty. As part of a large-scale community research project, we carried out focus groups and interviews with community members. Through dispositive analysis, we generated a set of care-web 'ingredients', which constitute and foster a caring community. These 'ingredients' need to be cultivated through an ongoing process of co-creation. This requires: (i) a focus on relationships and social systems; (ii) the creation of reflective spaces; and (iii) the strengthening of social capital, and d) the addressing of inequalities in care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klaus Wegleitner
- Department for Palliative Care and Organisational EthicsInstitute of Pastoral TheologyUniversity of GrazGrazAustria
| | - Patrick Schuchter
- Institute of Palliative Care and Organisational EthicsUniversity of KlagenfurtViennaAustria
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24
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Gerson SM, Koksvik GH, Richards N, Materstvedt LJ, Clark D. The Relationship of Palliative Care With Assisted Dying Where Assisted Dying is Lawful: A Systematic Scoping Review of the Literature. J Pain Symptom Manage 2020; 59:1287-1303.e1. [PMID: 31881289 PMCID: PMC8311295 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2019.12.361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2019] [Revised: 11/28/2019] [Accepted: 12/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT A central approach of palliative care has been to provide holistic care for people who are dying, terminally ill, or facing life-limiting illnesses while neither hastening nor postponing death. Assisted dying laws allow eligible individuals to receive medically administered or self-administered medication from a health provider to end their life. The implementation of these laws in a growing number of jurisdictions therefore poses certain challenges for palliative care. OBJECTIVES To analyze the research literature about the relationship of assisted dying with palliative care, in countries where it is lawful. METHODS A five-stage scoping review process was adapted from the Joanna Briggs Institute. Data sources searched through October 2018 were MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsychINFO, SCOPUS, and ProQuest dissertations and theses, with additional material identified through hand searching. Research studies of any design were included, but editorials or opinion articles were excluded. RESULTS After reviewing 5778 references from searches, 105 were subject to full-text review. About 16 studies were included: from Belgium (n = 4), Canada (n = 1), Switzerland (n = 2), and the U.S. (n = 9). We found that the relationship between assisted dying and palliative care practices in these locations took varied and sometimes combined forms: supportive, neutral, coexisting, not mutually exclusive, integrated, synergistic, cooperative, collaborative, opposed, ambivalent, and conflicted. CONCLUSION The studies in this review cast only partial light on challenges faced by palliative care when assisted dying is legal. There is pressing need for more research on the involvement of palliative care in the developing practices of assisted dying, across a growing number of jurisdictions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheri Mila Gerson
- School of Interdisciplinary Studies, Dumfries Campus, University of Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom.
| | - Gitte H Koksvik
- School of Interdisciplinary Studies, Dumfries Campus, University of Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Naomi Richards
- School of Interdisciplinary Studies, Dumfries Campus, University of Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Lars Johan Materstvedt
- School of Interdisciplinary Studies, Dumfries Campus, University of Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom; Faculty of Humanities, Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| | - David Clark
- School of Interdisciplinary Studies, Dumfries Campus, University of Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom
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25
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Dwivedi R, Pradhan J. Does affordability matter? Examining the trends and patterns in health care expenditure in India. Health Serv Manage Res 2020; 33:207-218. [PMID: 32447992 DOI: 10.1177/0951484820923921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Absence of better financing mechanism results in higher out of pocket expenditure and catastrophe, which leads to impoverishment and poverty especially among low- and middle-income countries like India. This paper examines the major characteristics associated with the higher out of pocket expenditure and provides an insight from Andersen's behavioural model that how predisposing, enabling and need factors influence the level and pattern of out of pocket expenditure in India. METHODS Data has been extracted from three rounds of nationally representative consumer expenditure surveys, i.e. 1993-1994, 2004-2005 and 2011-2012 conducted by the Government of India. States were categorized based on regional classification, and adult equivalent scale was used to adjust the household size. Multiple Generalized-Linear-Regression-Model was employed to explore the relative effect of various socio-economic covariates on the level of out of pocket expenditure. RESULTS The gap has widened between advantaged and disadvantaged segment of the population along with noticeable regional disparities among Indian states. Generalized-Linear-Regression-Model indicates that the most influential predisposing and enabling factor determining the level of out of pocket expenditure were age composition, religion, social-group, household type, residence, economic status, sources of cooking and lighting arrangements among the households. CONCLUSIONS Present study suggests the need for strengthening the affordability mechanism of the households to cope with the excessive burden of health care payments. Furthermore, special consideration is required to accommodate the needs of the elderly, rural, backward states and impoverishment segment of population to reduce the unjust burden of out of pocket expenditure in India.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rinshu Dwivedi
- Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, Indian Institute of Information Technology, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Jalandhar Pradhan
- Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, National Institute of Technology Rourkela, Rourkela, India
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26
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Park HJ, Lee YM, Won MH, Lim SJ, Son YJ. Hospital Nurses' Perception of Death and Self-Reported Performance of End-of-Life Care: Mediating Role of Attitude towards End-of-Life Care. Healthcare (Basel) 2020; 8:E142. [PMID: 32456106 PMCID: PMC7349796 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare8020142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Revised: 05/16/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Few studies have explored how nurses in acute care hospitals perceive and perform end-of-life care in Korea. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the influence of nurses' perceptions of death on end-of-life care performance and analyze the mediating role of attitude towards end-of-life care among hospital nurses. This cross-sectional study included a total of 250 nurses who have had experience with end-of-life care from four general hospitals in Korea. We used the Korean validated tools with the View of Life and Death Scale, the Frommelt Attitudes Toward Care of the Dying (FATCOD) scale, and the performance of end-of-life care. Hierarchical linear regression and mediation analysis, applying the bootstrapping method. The results of hierarchical linear regression showed that nurses' positive perceptions of death and attitude towards end-of-life care were significantly associated with their performance of end-of-life care. A mediation analysis further revealed that nurses' attitude towards end-of-life care mediates the relationship between the perceptions of death and performance of end-of-life care. Our findings suggest that supportive and practical death educational programs should be designed, based on nurses' professional experience and work environment, which will enable them to provide better end-of-life care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyo-Jin Park
- Department of Nursing, Kyungnam College of Information & Technology, Busan 47011, Korea;
| | - Yun-Mi Lee
- Department of Nursing, College of Medicine, Inje University, Busan 47392, Korea;
| | - Mi Hwa Won
- Department of Nursing, Wonkwang University, Iksan, Jeonbuk 54538, Korea;
| | - Sung-Jun Lim
- Red Cross College of Nursing, Chung-Ang University, 84 Heukseok-ro, Dongjak-Gu, Seoul 06974, Korea;
| | - Youn-Jung Son
- Red Cross College of Nursing, Chung-Ang University, 84 Heukseok-ro, Dongjak-Gu, Seoul 06974, Korea;
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Clark D, Baur N, Clelland D, Garralda E, López-Fidalgo J, Connor S, Centeno C. Mapping Levels of Palliative Care Development in 198 Countries: The Situation in 2017. J Pain Symptom Manage 2020; 59:794-807.e4. [PMID: 31760142 PMCID: PMC7105817 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2019.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2019] [Revised: 11/08/2019] [Accepted: 11/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Palliative care is gaining ground globally and is endorsed in high-level policy commitments, but service provision, supporting policies, education, and funding are incommensurate with rapidly growing needs. OBJECTIVES The objective of this study was to describe current levels of global palliative care development and report on changes since 2006. METHODS An online survey of experts in 198 countries generated 2017 data on 10 indicators of palliative care provision, fitted to six categories of development. Factor analysis and discriminant analysis showed the validity of the categorization. Spearman correlation analyses assessed the relationship with World Bank Income Level (WBIL), Human Development Index (HDI), and Universal Health Coverage (UHC). RESULTS Numbers (percentages) of countries in each development category were as follows: 1) no known palliative care activity, 47 (24%); 2) capacity-building, 13 (7%); 3a) isolated provision, 65 (33%); 3b) generalized provision, 22 (11%); 4a) preliminary integration into mainstream provision, 21 (11%); 4b) advanced integration, 30 (15%). Development levels were significantly associated with WBIL (rS = 0.4785), UHC (rS = 0.5558), and HDI (rS = 0.5426) with P < 0.001. Net improvement between 2006 and 2017 saw 32 fewer countries in Categories 1/2, 16 more countries in 3a/3b, and 17 more countries in 4a/4b. CONCLUSION Palliative care at the highest level of provision is available for only 14% of the global population and is concentrated in European countries. An 87% global increase in serious health-related suffering amenable to palliative care interventions is predicted by 2060. With an increasing need, palliative care is not reaching the levels required by at least half of the global population.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Clark
- School of Interdisciplinary Studies, University of Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom.
| | - Nicole Baur
- School of Interdisciplinary Studies, University of Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - David Clelland
- School of Interdisciplinary Studies, University of Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Eduardo Garralda
- ATLANTES Global Observatory of Palliative Care, Institute for Culture and Society, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Jesús López-Fidalgo
- ATLANTES Global Observatory of Palliative Care, Institute for Culture and Society, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Stephen Connor
- Worldwide Hospice Palliative Care Alliance, London, United Kingdom
| | - Carlos Centeno
- ATLANTES Global Observatory of Palliative Care, Institute for Culture and Society, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
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28
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Poudel A, Kc B, Shrestha S, Nissen L. Access to palliative care: discrepancy among low-income and high-income countries. J Glob Health 2020; 9:020309. [PMID: 31656599 PMCID: PMC6812938 DOI: 10.7189/jogh.09.020309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Arjun Poudel
- School of Clinical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Queensland, Australia.,Sankalpa Foundation Pvt. Ltd., Pokhara, Nepal
| | - Bhuvan Kc
- Sankalpa Foundation Pvt. Ltd., Pokhara, Nepal.,School of Pharmacy, Monash University, Malaysia
| | - Shakti Shrestha
- Sankalpa Foundation Pvt. Ltd., Pokhara, Nepal.,School of Pharmacy, University of Queensland, Queensland, Australia
| | - Lisa Nissen
- School of Clinical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Queensland, Australia.,School of Pharmacy, University of Queensland, Queensland, Australia
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Albanesi B, Marchetti A, D'Angelo D, Capuzzo MT, Mastroianni C, Artico M, Lusignani M, Piredda M, De Marinis MG. Exploring Nurses’ Involvement in Artificial Nutrition and Hydration at the End of Life: A Scoping Review. JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr 2020; 44:1220-1233. [DOI: 10.1002/jpen.1772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice Albanesi
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention University of Rome “Tor Vergata Rome Italy
| | - Anna Marchetti
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention University of Rome “Tor Vergata Rome Italy
| | - Daniela D'Angelo
- CNEC Center for Clinical Excellence and Quality of Care Istituto Superiore di Sanità Rome Italy
| | | | | | - Marco Artico
- Palliative Care and Pain Therapy Unit Azienda ULSS 4 Veneto Orientale San Donà di Piave Italy
| | - Maura Lusignani
- Biomedical Sciences for Health University of Milan Milan Italy
| | - Michela Piredda
- Research Unit Nursing Science Campus Bio‐Medico di Roma University Rome Italy
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Hasson F, Nicholson E, Muldrew D, Bamidele O, Payne S, McIlfatrick S. International palliative care research priorities: A systematic review. BMC Palliat Care 2020; 19:16. [PMID: 32013949 PMCID: PMC6998205 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-020-0520-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Accepted: 01/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There has been increasing evidence and debate on palliative care research priorities and the international research agenda. To date, however, there is a lack of synthesis of this evidence, examining commonalities, differences, and gaps. To identify and synthesize literature on international palliative care research priorities originating from Western countries mapped to a quality assessment framework. METHODS A systematic review of several academic and grey databases were searched from January 2008-June 2019 for studies eliciting research priorities in palliative care in English. Two researchers independently reviewed, critically appraised, and conducted data extraction and synthesis. RESULTS The search yielded 10,235 articles (academic databases, n = 4108; grey literature, n = 6127), of which ten were included for appraisal and review. Priority areas were identified: service models; continuity of care; training and education; inequality; communication; living well and independently; and recognising family/carer needs and the importance of families. Methodological approaches and process of reporting varied. There was little representation of patient and caregiver driven agendas. The priorities were mapped to the Donabedian framework for assessing quality reflecting structure, process and outcomes and key priority areas. CONCLUSIONS Limited evidence exists pertaining to research priorities across palliative care. Whilst a broad range of topics were elicited, approaches and samples varied questioning the credibility of findings. The voice of the care provider dominated, calling for more inclusive means to capture the patient and family voice. The findings of this study may serve as a template to understand the commonalities of research, identify gaps, and extend the palliative care research agenda.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felicity Hasson
- Institute of Nursing and Health Research, School of Nursing, Ulster University, Shore Road, Newtownabbey, BT37 0QB, Northern Ireland.
| | - Emma Nicholson
- UCD School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health Systems, UCD College of Health and Agricultural Sciences, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Deborah Muldrew
- Institute of Nursing and Health Research, School of Nursing, Ulster University, Shore Road, Newtownabbey, BT37 0QB, Northern Ireland
| | - Olufikayo Bamidele
- Academcy of Primary Care, Hull York Medical School, Allam Medical Building, University of Hull, Hull, HU6 7RZ, England
| | - Sheila Payne
- International Observatory on End of Life Care, Lancaster University, LA14YX, Lancaster, UK
| | - Sonja McIlfatrick
- Institute of Nursing and Health Research, School of Nursing, Ulster University, Shore Road, Newtownabbey, BT37 0QB, Northern Ireland
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Lang A. The good death and the institutionalisation of dying: An interpretive analysis of the Austrian discourse. Soc Sci Med 2019; 245:112671. [PMID: 31734481 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2019.112671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Revised: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 11/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The institutionalisation of dying is recurrently assessed as adverse to a good death. However, a majority of people die in institutions such as hospitals or nursing homes and end-of-life care at home is more and more professionally supported. This article analyses how the discursive production of dying, the good death, and the issue of institutionalisation at the end of life are interrelated. The study empirically investigates a parliamentary enquiry on dying with dignity that took place in Austria between 2014 and 2015. It employs the Sociology of Knowledge Approach to Discourse to analyse parliamentary documents and minutes, written statements submitted by individuals and organisations, as well as newspaper articles. Data analysis shows a restrictive and a permissive normative position considering both killing on request and assisted suicide. Apart from their different political demands, they both reproduce a discourse constructing dying as a longer lasting and painful process striking old or ill people. In order to enable a good death, the dying person needs comprehensive support that the informal social environment is incapable to provide. Thereby, institutionalisation is associated with negative characteristics and at the same time identified as requirement for a good death considering its role in pain management and provision of care. The analysis interprets the call for institutionalisation in the context of medicalisation and the central role of physicians to alleviate pain. The article proposes a differentiated view on institutionalisation processes and practices in end-of-life care, also reflecting the potential of institutionalisation to obstruct fundamental societal transformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Lang
- Institut für Höhere Studien - Institute for Advanced Studies, Josefstädter Straße 39, 1080 Vienna, Austria.
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Goode D, Black P, Lynch J. Person-centred end-of-life curriculum design in adult pre-registration undergraduate nurse education: A three-year longitudinal evaluation study. NURSE EDUCATION TODAY 2019; 82:8-14. [PMID: 31408835 DOI: 10.1016/j.nedt.2019.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2018] [Revised: 05/30/2019] [Accepted: 07/30/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The need to provide quality end-of-life care is universally accepted. International research and policies encourage innovative ways that effective culturally appropriate care can be provided. Higher education institutions and practice settings are tasked with ensuring that nurse graduates have the knowledge, skills and insight to deliver person-centred end-of-life care. RESEARCH AIMS AND OBJECTIVES The aim was to explore student evaluation of end-of-life care learning within a three-year undergraduate adult nursing degree programme. Objectives were to assess student perceptions of the content and level of learning achieved, explore usefulness of learning, highlight areas that were most useful, and identify suggestions to improve learning. DESIGN A 3-year quantitative longitudinal design was used. A questionnaire containing open and closed questions was designed to incorporate the personal and professional learning strategies indicated by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) (2010). SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS The evaluation was completed at the same time point over a three-year period from April 2015-April 2017. The participants were year three student nurses, from 3 consecutive years, enrolled on a pre-registration adult nursing course at one university. There was a 66% response rate (n = 336). METHODS Participant information sheets and questionnaires were distributed and time to complete them facilitated. Responses from closed questions were coded and analysed using descriptive statistics (SPSS 24) and thematic analysis used for open questions. RESULTS Students expressed satisfaction with their learning, 88.7-97% of students reported a positive impact on their knowledge. They developed an understanding of the impact the nurse can have on the patient and family experience, reporting more confidence and competence in most aspects of end-of-life care. They noted improved ability to utilise this in their subsequent practice experience 88.1-97%. CONCLUSIONS Structured end-of-life care within the curriculum is essential to equip graduate nurses to provide effective evidence informed care. Planning should continue for curriculum development that encompasses person-centred end-of-life care across cultures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debbie Goode
- Ulster University, Northland Road, L/Derry, BT487JL.
| | - Pauline Black
- Ulster University, Magee Campus, Northland Road, Derry, Co Londonderry. BT48 7JL
| | - Jacinta Lynch
- Ulster University, Magee Campus, Northland Road, Derry, Co Londonderry. BT48 7JL
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Chiu AS, Jean RA, Resio B, Pei KY. Reply to: "Early postoperative death in extreme risk patients: A perspective on surgical futility". Surgery 2019; 167:518. [PMID: 31629540 DOI: 10.1016/j.surg.2019.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2019] [Accepted: 09/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Raymond A Jean
- Department of Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Benjamin Resio
- Department of Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
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Pinto N, Bhola P, Chandra PS. "End-of-Life Care is more than Wound Care": Health-Care Providers' Perceptions of Psychological and Interpersonal needs of Patients with Terminal Cancer. Indian J Palliat Care 2019; 25:428-435. [PMID: 31413460 PMCID: PMC6659520 DOI: 10.4103/ijpc.ijpc_26_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim People diagnosed with cancer and in end-of-life care may have a range of needs. These needs may be inadequately expressed, recognized, or responded to by family members and health-care providers. The present study aimed at exploring health-care providers' perceptions of the interpersonal needs, psychological needs, and unfinished business among terminally ill cancer patients during the end-of-life care. Methods The sample consisted of 11 health-care providers, including physicians, counselors, social workers, and nurses from the end-of-life care settings in Bengaluru, India. A cross-sectional qualitative design was used and involved semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions. Results Thematic analysis identified themes related to health-care providers' perceptions of patients' prominent interpersonal needs, psychological needs, and expressions of "unfinished business" and their perspectives and experiences. There were three themes related to psychological needs and concerns: (i) experience and expression of negative emotions, (ii) mental health concerns, and (iii) confronting mortality. Three themes emerged in the domain of interpersonal connections: (i) support and closer connections with family, (ii) disconnection from family relationships, and (iii) building new connections at the hospice. Two themes were identified related to unfinished business: (i) types of unfinished business and (ii) addressing unfinished business. The findings also highlighted health-care providers' perspectives and experiences: (i) need for expanded end-of-life care training and (ii) experiences of emotional labor. Conclusions The findings have implications for comprehensive training of health-care providers and for assessment, support, and care services in palliative care settings in India.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nishal Pinto
- Department of Clinical Psychology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Poornima Bhola
- Department of Clinical Psychology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Prabha S Chandra
- Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
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Mah K, Powell RA, Malfitano C, Gikaara N, Chalklin L, Hales S, Rydall A, Zimmermann C, Mwangi-Powell FN, Rodin G. Evaluation of the Quality of Dying and Death Questionnaire in Kenya. J Glob Oncol 2019; 5:1-16. [PMID: 31162985 PMCID: PMC6613712 DOI: 10.1200/jgo.18.00257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE A culturally appropriate, patient-centered measure of the quality of dying and death is needed to advance palliative care in Africa. We therefore evaluated the Quality of Dying and Death Questionnaire (QODD) in a Kenyan hospice sample and compared item ratings with those from a Canadian advanced-cancer sample. METHODS Caregivers of deceased patients from three Kenyan hospices completed the QODD. Their QODD item ratings were compared with those from 602 caregivers of deceased patients with advanced cancer in Ontario, Canada, and were correlated with overall quality of dying and death ratings. RESULTS Compared with the Ontario sample, outcomes in the Kenyan sample (N = 127; mean age, 48.21 years; standard deviation, 13.57 years) were worse on 14 QODD concerns and on overall quality of dying and death (P values ≤ .001) but better on five concerns, including interpersonal and religious/spiritual concerns (P values ≤ .005). Overall quality of dying was associated with better patient experiences with Symptoms and Personal Care, interpersonal, and religious/spiritual concerns (P values < .01). Preparation for Death, Treatment Preferences, and Moment of Death items showed the most omitted ratings. CONCLUSION The quality of dying and death in Kenya is worse than in a setting with greater PC access, except in interpersonal and religious/spiritual domains. Cultural differences in perceptions of a good death and the acceptability of death-related discussions may affect ratings on the QODD. This measure requires revision and validation for use in African settings, but evidence from such patient-centered assessment tools can advance palliative care in this region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth Mah
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Carmine Malfitano
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | | | - Lesley Chalklin
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Global Institute of Psychosocial, Palliative and End-of-Life Care, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sarah Hales
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Anne Rydall
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Camilla Zimmermann
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Global Institute of Psychosocial, Palliative and End-of-Life Care, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Gary Rodin
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Global Institute of Psychosocial, Palliative and End-of-Life Care, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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[The role of the family doctor in the palliative care of chronic and terminally ill patients]. Semergen 2019; 45:349-355. [PMID: 30718073 DOI: 10.1016/j.semerg.2018.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2018] [Revised: 08/28/2018] [Accepted: 09/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this work was to identify the role of family physicians in the care of patients and their families in the approach to the end of life. Nowadays, with the increase in the demand for care of patients with terminal illnesses, there is also evidence on the lack of physicians with the profile and skills to fulfil this coverage deficit. A review of the literature was carried out in five databases from January 2015 to May 2018, and concluded that family doctors, based on their professional skills, ability to engage with the patients, their families, and their performance in the coordination of medical resources, are in an ideal position to attend and solve complex problems of patients at the end of life. In the present review, the specific roles of family physicians in clinical and psychosocial areas, and also the difficulties in facing the challenges in the care of patients and families undergoing the end of life process are described.
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Ganz FD, Sapir B. Nurses' perceptions of intensive care unit palliative care at end of life. Nurs Crit Care 2018; 24:141-148. [PMID: 30426607 DOI: 10.1111/nicc.12395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2018] [Revised: 08/06/2018] [Accepted: 10/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Significant barriers can block the provision of palliative care at the end of life in the intensive care unit (ICU). However, the relationship between perceptions of ICU quality palliative care and barriers to palliative care at the end of life is not well documented. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To describe ICU nurses' perceptions of quality palliative end-of-life care, barrier intensity and frequency to palliative care and their association with one another. DESIGN This was a descriptive, correlational, cross-sectional design. METHODS A convenience sample of 126 ICU nurses from two hospitals in Israel was recruited for the study. Participants completed three pencil-and-paper questionnaires (a personal characteristics questionnaire, the Quality of Palliative Care in the ICU and a revised Survey of Oncology Nurses' Perceptions of End-of-Life Care). Respondents were recruited during staff meetings or while on duty in the ICU. Ethical approval was obtained for the study from participating hospitals. RESULTS The item mean score of the quality of palliative end-of-life care was 7·5/10 (SD = 1·23). The item mean barrier intensity and frequency scores were 3·05/5 (SD = 0·76) and 3·30/5 (SD = 0·61), respectively. A correlation of r = 0·46, p < 0·001 was found between barrier frequency and intensity and r = -0·19, p = 0·04 between barrier frequency and quality palliative end-of-life care. CONCLUSIONS ICU nurses perceived the quality of palliative care at the end of life as moderate despite reports of moderate barrier levels. The frequency of barriers was weakly associated with quality palliative end-of-life care. However, barrier intensity did not correlate with quality palliative end-of-life care at a statistically significant level. Further research that investigates other factors associated with quality ICU palliative care is recommended. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE Barriers to palliative care are still common in the ICU. Increased training and education are recommended to decrease barriers and improve the quality of ICU palliative care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Freda DeKeyser Ganz
- Research and Development, Hadassah Hebrew University School of Nursing, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Batel Sapir
- Hadassah Hebrew University School of Nursing and Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
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Vijay D, Zaman S, Clark D. Translation of a community palliative care intervention: Experience from West Bengal, India. Wellcome Open Res 2018; 3:66. [PMID: 30116790 PMCID: PMC6069742 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.14599.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The community form of palliative care first constructed in Kerala, India has gained recognition worldwide. Although it is the subject of important claims about its replicability elsewhere, little effort has gone into studying how this might occur. Drawing on translation studies, we attend to under-examined aspects of the transfer of a community palliative care intervention into a new geographic and institutional context. Methods: Over a period of 29 months, we conducted an in-depth case study of Sanjeevani, a community-based palliative care organization in Nadia district, West Bengal (India), that is modelled on the Kerala approach. We draw upon primary (semi-structured interviews and field notes) and secondary data sources. Results: We identify the translator’s symbolic power and how it counteracts the organizational challenges relating to socio-economic conditions and weak histories of civil society organizing. We find that unlike the Kerala form, which is typified by horizontal linkages and consensus-oriented decision-making, the translated organizational form in Nadia is a hybrid of horizontal and vertical solidarities. We show how translation is an ongoing, dynamic process, where community participation is infused with values of occupational prestige and camaraderie and shaped by emergent vertical solidarities among members. Conclusions: Our findings have implications for how we understand the relationship between locations, institutional histories, and healthcare interventions. We contribute to translation studies in healthcare, and particularly to conversations about the transfer or ‘roll out’ of palliative care interventions from one geography to another.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devi Vijay
- Organizational Behavior Group, Indian Institute of Management Calcutta , Kolkata, West Bengal, 700104, India
| | - Shahaduz Zaman
- Global Health and Infection Department, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, University of Sussex, Brighton, BN1 9PX, UK
| | - David Clark
- School of Interdisciplinary Studies, University of Glasgow, Dumfries, DG1 4ZL, UK
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent international documents have highlighted the importance of preparing the nursing workforce for end of life care. However, these documents do not make clear what prepared in the context of end-of-life care actually means. Searching the literature failed to retrieve any papers defining prepared in this context. AIM A concept analysis, using Walker and Avant's model, was conducted to help address this gap in the knowledge base. RESULTS From this analysis many attributes and antecedents were synthesised. These include that a prepared nurse would be confident to: assess the dying patient, communicate with empathy, identify and manage symptoms, recognise and deal with death and dying, understand the holistic elements of dying, be comfortable with the effects of loss and bereavement on patients and self, and be self-competent. CONCLUSIONS From this analysis, a clearer idea of what is needed to prepare nurses for end-of-life care is offered and suggestions for future research are made.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sue Griffith
- Education Co-ordinator, Farleigh Hospice, Chelmsford, UK
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Zaman S, Whitelaw A, Richards N, Inbadas H, Clark D. A moment for compassion: emerging rhetorics in end-of-life care. MEDICAL HUMANITIES 2018; 44:140-143. [PMID: 29440385 PMCID: PMC6031266 DOI: 10.1136/medhum-2017-011329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/22/2017] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Compassion is an emotional response to the suffering of others. Once felt, it entails subsequent action to ameliorate their suffering. Recently, 'compassion' has become the flagship concept to be fostered in the delivery of end-of-life care, and a rallying call for social action and public health intervention. In this paper, we examine the emerging rhetorics of compassion as they relate to end-of-life care and offer a critique of the expanding discourse around it. We argue that, even where individuals 'possess' compassion or are 'trained' in it, there are difficulties for compassion to flow freely, particularly within Western society. This relates to specific sociopolitical structural factors that include the sense of privacy and individualism in modern industrialised countries, highly professionalised closed health systems, anxiety about litigation on health and safety grounds, and a context of suspicion and mistrust within the global political scenario. We must then ask ourselves whether compassion can be created intentionally, without paying attention to the structural aspects of society. One consequence of globalisation is that countries in the global South are rapidly trying to embrace the features of modernity adopted by the global North. We argue that unrealistic assumptions have been made about the role of compassion in end-of-life care and these idealist aspirations must be tempered by a more structural assessment of potential. Compassion that is not tied to to realistic action runs the risk of becoming empty rhetoric.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahaduz Zaman
- School of Interdisciplinary Studies, University of Glasgow, Dumfries, UK
- Department of Global Health and Infection, Brighton Sussex Medical School, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK
| | - Alexander Whitelaw
- School of Interdisciplinary Studies, University of Glasgow, Dumfries, UK
| | - Naomi Richards
- School of Interdisciplinary Studies, University of Glasgow, Dumfries, UK
| | - Hamilton Inbadas
- School of Interdisciplinary Studies, University of Glasgow, Dumfries, UK
| | - David Clark
- School of Interdisciplinary Studies, University of Glasgow, Dumfries, UK
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Seymour J, Clark D. The Liverpool Care Pathway for the Dying Patient: a critical analysis of its rise, demise and legacy in England. Wellcome Open Res 2018; 3:15. [PMID: 29881785 PMCID: PMC5963294 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.13940.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/20/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The Liverpool Care Pathway for the Dying Patient ('LCP') was an integrated care pathway (ICP) recommended by successive governments in England and Wales to improve end-of-life care. It was discontinued in 2014 following mounting criticism and a national review. Understanding the problems encountered in the roll out of the LCP has crucial importance for future policy making in end of life care. We provide an in-depth account of LCP development and implementation with explanatory theoretical perspectives. We address three critical questions: 1) why and how did the LCP come to prominence as a vehicle of policy and practice? 2) what factors contributed to its demise? 3) what immediate implications and lessons resulted from its withdrawal? Methods: We use primary and secondary sources in the public domain to assemble a critical and historical review. We also draw on the 'boundary object' concept and on wider analyses of the use of ICPs. Results: The rapidity of transfer and translation of the LCP reflected uncritical enthusiasm for ICPs in the early 2000s. While the LCP had some weaknesses in its formulation and implementation, it became the bearer of responsibility for all aspects of NHS end-of-life care. It exposed fault lines in the NHS, provided a platform for debates about the 'evidence' required to underpin innovations in palliative care and became a conduit of discord about 'good' or 'bad' practice in care of the dying. It also fostered a previously unseen critique of assumptions within palliative care. Conclusions: In contrast to most observers of the LCP story who refer to the dangers of scaling up clinical interventions without an evidence base, we call for greater assessment of the wider risks and more careful consideration of the unintended consequences that might result from the roll out of new end-of-life interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane Seymour
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Sheffield, Barber House, Clarkehouse Road, Sheffield, S10 2LA, UK
| | - David Clark
- School of Interdisciplinary Studies, University of Glasgow, Rutherford/ McCowan Building, Dumfries, DG1 4ZL , UK
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Seymour J, Clark D. The Liverpool Care Pathway for the Dying Patient: a critical analysis of its rise, demise and legacy in England. Wellcome Open Res 2018; 3:15. [PMID: 29881785 PMCID: PMC5963294 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.13940.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The Liverpool Care Pathway for the Dying Patient ('the LCP') was an integrated care pathway (ICP) recommended by successive governments in England and Wales to improve end-of-life care, using insights from hospice and palliative care. It was discontinued in 2014 following mounting criticism and a national review. The ensuing debate among clinicians polarised between 'blaming' of the LCP and regret at its removal. Employing the concept of 'boundary objects', we aimed to address three questions: 1) why and how did the LCP come to prominence as a vehicle of policy and practice 2) what factors contributed to its demise? 3) what immediate implications and lessons resulted from its withdrawal? Methods: We use primary and secondary sources in the public domain to assemble a critical and historical review. Results: The rapidity of transfer and translation of the LCP reflected uncritical enthusiasm for ICPs in the early 2000s. The subsequent LCP 'scandal' demonstrated the power of social media in creating knowledge, as well as conflicting perceptions about end-of-life interventions. While the LCP had some weaknesses in its formulation and implementation, it became the bearer of responsibility for all aspects of NHS end-of-life care. This was beyond its original remit. It exposed fault lines in the NHS, provided a platform for debates about the 'evidence' required to underpin innovations in palliative care and became a conduit of discord about 'good' or 'bad' practice in care of the dying. It also fostered a previously unseen critique of assumptions within palliative care. Conclusions: In contrast to most observers of the LCP story who refer to the dangers of scaling up clinical interventions without an evidence base, we call for greater assessment of the wider risks and more careful consideration of the unintended consequences that might result from the roll out of new end-of-life interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane Seymour
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Sheffield, Barber House, Clarkehouse Road, Sheffield, S10 2LA, UK
| | - David Clark
- School of Interdisciplinary Studies, University of Glasgow, Rutherford/ McCowan Building, Dumfries, DG1 4ZL , UK
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Guilbeau C. End-of-life care in the Western world: where are we now and how did we get here? BMJ Support Palliat Care 2018; 8:136-144. [PMID: 29305498 DOI: 10.1136/bmjspcare-2017-001424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2017] [Revised: 12/05/2017] [Accepted: 12/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Recent movements in end-of-life care emphasise community care for the dying; however, integrating community with medical care continues to be a work in progress. Historically tracing brain hemispheric dominance, Ian McGilchrist believes we are overemphasising functionality, domination and categorisation to the detriment of symbolism, empathy and connectedness with others. The aim of this historical review is to bring McGilchrist's sociobiological narrative into dialogue with the history and most recent trends in end-of-life care. METHOD This review used widely referenced historical accounts of end-of-life care, recent literature reviews on relevant topics and current trends in end-of-life care. RESULTS While contemporary end-of-life care emphasises community care for the dying, implementation of these new approaches must be considered in its historical context. McGilchrist's arguments call for a critical consideration of what seems a rather simple change in end-of-life care. CONCLUSION We must question whether it is possible to hand death responsibilities back to the community when medical services have largely assumed this responsibility in countries supporting individualism, secularism and materialism.
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Williams L, Gott M, Moeke-Maxwell T, Black S, Kothari S, Pearson S, Morgan T, Wharemate MR, Hansen WW. Can digital stories go where palliative care research has never gone before? A descriptive qualitative study exploring the application of an emerging public health research method in an indigenous palliative care context. BMC Palliat Care 2017; 16:46. [PMID: 28870189 PMCID: PMC5584042 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-017-0216-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2016] [Accepted: 06/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The World Health Organization (WHO) has called for global approaches to palliative care development. Yet it is questionable whether one-size-fits-all solutions can accommodate international disparities in palliative care need. More flexible research methods are called for in order to understand diverse priorities at local levels. This is especially imperative for Indigenous populations and other groups underrepresented in the palliative care evidence-base. Digital storytelling (DST) offers the potential to be one such method. Digital stories are short first-person videos that tell a story of great significance to the creator. The method has already found a place within public health research and has been described as a useful, emergent method for community-based participatory research. Methods The aim of this study was to explore Māori participants’ views on DST’s usefulness, from an Indigenous perspective, as a research method within the discipline of palliative care. The digital storytelling method was adapted to include Māori cultural protocols. Data capturing participant experience of the study were collected using participant observation and anonymous questionnaires. Eight participants, seven women and one man, took part. Field notes and questionnaire data were analysed using critical thematic analysis. Results Two main themes were identified during analyses: 1) issues that facilitated digital storytelling’s usefulness as a research method for Māori reporting on end of life caregiving; and 2) issues that hindered this process. All subthemes identified: recruitment, the pōwhiri process, (Māori formal welcome of visitors) and technology, related to both main themes and are presented in this way. Conclusion Digital storytelling is an emerging method useful for exploring Indigenous palliative care issues. In line with a Health Promoting Palliative Care approach that centres research in communities, it helps meet the need for diverse approaches to involve underrepresented groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Williams
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
| | - Merryn Gott
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Tess Moeke-Maxwell
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Stella Black
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Shuchi Kothari
- Media and Communication, School of Social Sciences, Faculty of the Arts, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Sarina Pearson
- Media and Communication, School of Social Sciences, Faculty of the Arts, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Tessa Morgan
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Matua Rawiri Wharemate
- Kaumātua, Te Ārai: Palliative Care and End of Life Research Group, School of Nursing, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Whaea Whio Hansen
- Kaumātua, Te Ārai: Palliative Care and End of Life Research Group, School of Nursing, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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Inbadas H. The Philosophical and Cultural Situatedness of Spirituality at the End of Life in India. Indian J Palliat Care 2017; 23:338-340. [PMID: 28827943 PMCID: PMC5545965 DOI: 10.4103/ijpc.ijpc_61_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The sustained interest in exploring the spiritual domain at end of life in the Indian context reflects the recognition of its significance as an integral part of palliative care. A key aspect of findings from studies so far is the identification of challenges, inadequacies, limitations and ethical dilemmas in relation to spirituality at the end of life. India is known for its rich spiritual heritage and has unique ways of understanding, experiencing and expressing spirituality. The philosophical and cultural frames of reference, with which communities in India make sense of life, death and dying, determine the characteristics of Indian spirituality at the end of life. Exploring the concepts of the human person, the purpose of human life, the meaning of death and caring for the dying using Indian philosophical and cultural resources can help address some of the identified limitations and challenges in the Indian context. A cross-disciplinary approach, drawing together expertise from clinical palliative care, philosophy, theology and sociology, will enrich the understanding of spirituality at the end of life and can contribute to effective spiritual care in palliative care in specific contexts around the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamilton Inbadas
- School of Interdisciplinary Studies, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Dumfries DG1 4ZL, Scotland, UK
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Clark D, Inbadas H, Colburn B, Forrest C, Richards N, Whitelaw S, Zaman S. Interventions at the end of life - a taxonomy for 'overlapping consensus'. Wellcome Open Res 2017; 2:7. [PMID: 28261674 PMCID: PMC5336190 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.10722.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Context: Around the world there is increasing interest in end of life issues. An unprecedented number of people dying in future decades will put new strains on families, communities, services and governments. It will also have implications for representations of death and dying within society and for the overall orientation of health and social care. What interventions are emerging in the face of these challenges? Methods: We conceptualize a comprehensive taxonomy of interventions, defined as 'organized responses to end of life issues'. Findings: We classify the range of end of life interventions into 10 substantive categories: policy, advocacy, educational, ethico-legal, service, clinical, research, cultural, intangible, self-determined. We distinguish between two empirical aspects of any end of life intervention: the 'locus' refers to the space or spaces in which it is situated; the 'focus' captures its distinct character and purpose. We also contend that end of life interventions can be seen conceptually in two ways - as 'frames' (organized responses that primarily construct a shared understanding of an end of life issue) or as 'instruments' (organized responses that assume a shared understanding and then move to act in that context). Conclusions: Our taxonomy opens up the debate about end of life interventions in new ways to provide protagonists, activists, policy makers, clinicians, researchers and educators with a comprehensive framework in which to place their endeavours and more effectively to assess their efficacy. Following the inspiration of political philosopher John Rawls, we seek to foster an 'overlapping consensus' on how interventions at the end of life can be construed, understood and assessed.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Clark
- School of Interdisciplinary Studies, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Hamilton Inbadas
- School of Interdisciplinary Studies, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Ben Colburn
- School of Humanities, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Catriona Forrest
- School of Interdisciplinary Studies, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Naomi Richards
- School of Interdisciplinary Studies, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Sandy Whitelaw
- School of Interdisciplinary Studies, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Shahaduz Zaman
- School of Interdisciplinary Studies, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
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