McGinley JM, Marsack-Topolewski CN. A Comparative Case Study of Hospice and Hospital End-of-Life Care for Aging Adults With Developmental Disabilities.
Glob Qual Nurs Res 2022;
9:23333936221087626. [PMID:
35572367 PMCID:
PMC9102126 DOI:
10.1177/23333936221087626]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Greater attention is being paid to issues surrounding end-of-life care for aging adults with developmental disabilities. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the end-of-life experiences of two aging adults with developmental disabilities and life-limiting serious illnesses who received care in settings in the United States. Using a comparative case study design, data from three sources (records, staff, surrogates) were collected sequentially and triangulated via within and cross-case analyses. Although the setting and design limit the generalizability of these findings, the feasibility of delivering high quality care to adults with developmental disabilities as they age and experience terminal illnesses is supported. Insights are presented regarding how nurses can address barriers by adapting policies and practices to accommodate the distinct needs that arise as people with developmental disabilities age, become seriously ill, and reach life’s end.
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