scholarly journals Healthcare professionals′ fear of death and dying: Implications for palliative care

2013 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 196 ◽  
Author(s):  
SenthilP Kumar ◽  
Mariella D'Souza ◽  
Vaishali Sisodia
Keyword(s):  
Palliative Care ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Death And Dying ◽  
Fear Of Death

Cross-Cultural Issues

2014 ◽  
pp. 127-142
Author(s):  
William S. Breitbart
Keyword(s):  
Palliative Care ◽  
Death And Dying ◽  
Culturally Sensitive ◽  
Cross Cultural ◽  
Fear Of Death ◽  
Cultural Issues ◽  
Culturally Specific ◽  
Methods Of Evaluation ◽  
Terminal Illnesses ◽  
Fear Of Cancer

Across cultures, the universal fear of cancer and other terminal illnesses are caused by the fear of death as well as images associated with debility and pain. Yet individual societies place different emphases on issues surrounding death and dying. This chapter provides an overview of the culturally specific issues surrounding death and dying, methods of evaluation of cultural issues, and guidance on delivering culturally sensitive palliative care around the globe.

scholarly journals What makes palliative care needs “complex”? A multisite sequential explanatory mixed methods study of patients referred for specialist palliative care

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne M. Finucane ◽  
Connie Swenson ◽  
John I. MacArtney ◽  
Rachel Perry ◽  
Hazel Lamberton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Palliative Care ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Psychological Needs ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Specialist Palliative Care ◽  
Care Needs ◽  
Complex Needs ◽  
Sequential Explanatory ◽  
Palliative Care Needs

Abstract Background Specialist palliative care (SPC) providers tend to use the term ‘complex’ to refer to the needs of patients who require SPC. However, little is known about complex needs on first referral to a SPC service. We examined which needs are present and sought the perspectives of healthcare professionals on the complexity of need on referral to a hospice service. Methods Multi-site sequential explanatory mixed method study consisting of a case-note review and focus groups with healthcare professionals in four UK hospices. Results Documentation relating to 239 new patient referrals to hospice was reviewed; and focus groups involving 22 healthcare professionals conducted. Most patients had two or more needs documented on referral (96%); and needs were recorded across two or more domains for 62%. Physical needs were recorded for 91% of patients; psychological needs were recorded for 59%. Spiritual needs were rarely documented. Referral forms were considered limited for capturing complex needs. Referrals were perceived to be influenced by the experience and confidence of the referrer and the local resource available to meet palliative care needs directly. Conclusions Complexity was hard to detail or to objectively define on referral documentation alone. It appeared to be a term used to describe patients whom primary or secondary care providers felt needed SPC knowledge or support to meet their needs. Hospices need to provide greater clarity regarding who should be referred, when and for what purpose. Education and training in palliative care for primary care nurses and doctors and hospital clinicians could reduce the need for referral and help ensure that hospices are available to those most in need of SPC input.

scholarly journals The role of research in improving responsiveness of palliative care to migrants and other underserved populations in the Netherlands: a qualitative interview study

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Torensma ◽  
B. D. Onwuteaka-Philipsen ◽  
X. de Voogd ◽  
D. L. Willems ◽  
J. L. Suurmond
Keyword(s):  
Palliative Care ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Underserved Populations ◽  
Ethnic Disparities ◽  
Migration Background ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Migrant Populations ◽  
Funding Agencies ◽  
Qualitative Interview Study ◽  
Palliative Patient

Abstract Background The aging of migrant populations across Europe challenges researchers in palliative care to produce knowledge that can be used to respond to the needs of the growing group of patients with a migration background and address ethnic disparities in palliative care. The aim of this study was to identify what factors influence researchers’ efforts to address responsiveness of palliative care to patients with a migration background and other underserved populations in their projects. Methods We conducted semi-structured interviews with 11 researchers involved in seven projects under the Dutch national program for palliative care innovation. Results Researchers’ efforts to address responsiveness of palliative care in their projects were influenced by individual factors, i.e. awareness of the need for responsiveness to patients with a migration background; experience with responsiveness; and, differences in perceptions on responsiveness in palliative care. Researchers’ efforts were furthermore influenced by institutional factors, i.e. the interaction with healthcare institutions and healthcare professionals as they rely on their ability to identify the palliative patient with a migration background, address the topic of palliative care, and enrol these patients in research; scientific standards that limit the flexibility needed for responsive research; and, the responsiveness requirements set by funding agencies. Conclusion Researchers play a key role in ensuring research addresses responsiveness to patients with a migration background. Such responsiveness may also benefit other underserved populations. However, at times researchers lack the knowledge and experience needed for responsive research. To address this we recommend training in responsiveness for researchers in the field of palliative care. We also recommend training for healthcare professionals involved in research projects to increase enrolment of patients with a migration background and other underrepresented populations. Lastly, we encourage researchers as well as research institutions and funding agencies to allow flexibility in research practices and set a standard for responsive research practice.

scholarly journals Factors Moderating the Impact of After Death Communications on Beliefs and Spirituality

2021 ◽  
pp. 003022282110291
Author(s):  
Jennifer K. Penberthy ◽  
Marieta Pehlivanova ◽  
Tevfik Kalelioglu ◽  
Chris A. Roe ◽  
Callum E. Cooper ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Life Experience ◽  
Death And Dying ◽  
Emotional Reaction ◽  
Physical Contact ◽  
Fear Of Death ◽  
Future Directions ◽  
Life After Death ◽  
Moderating Factors ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Beliefs And Attitudes

After death communications(ADCs) are defined as perceived spontaneous contacts with living individuals by the deceased. This research presents on a subset of data from a recent large international survey of individuals who experienced ADCs and provided systematic information regarding these experiences. In our research we explore the impact of having an ADC on reported spirituality, religiosity, beliefs and attitudes about death and dying and also explore the moderating factors of this impact. We found that having an ADC was perceived as a positive life experience and that it was associated with a reduction in fear of death, belief in life after death and that the deceased could communicate with the living, and increased reported spirituality. Moderating factors include aspects of having or desiring physical contact with the deceased as well as perceiving some emotional reaction to the ADCs. Future directions for research exploration are also provided based on our findings.

scholarly journals Palliative care and complex chronic conditions since the perspective of healthcare professionals

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
A Doñate-Martínez ◽  
L Llop ◽  
J Garcés
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Palliative Care ◽  
Early Identification ◽  
Chronic Conditions ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Care Pathway ◽  
Holistic View ◽  
Complex Chronic Conditions ◽  
Symptom Intensity

Abstract Background According to the WHO, palliative care (PC) is applicable early in the course of illness together with other curative therapies. Early PC has demonstrated beneficial effects on quality of life and symptom intensity among cancer patients. However, PC is not as early integrated on the care pathway of complex chronic conditions (CCC). This abstract presents barriers and needs identified to effectively implement early PC on CCC performed under the EU-funded InAdvance project (ref.: 825750). Methods Semi-structured interviews were performed with 16 healthcare professionals (HPs) from primary care and hospital settings working with older patients with CCC in Valencia (Spain). Results Interviews reported that main needs identified to provide early PC are: (a) coordinated strategies between multi-setting HPs to an early identification of CCC patients in need of PC; (b) adequate resources to attend patients' PC needs from a holistic view, i.e. psychosocial and spiritual needs; and (c) early integration of basic PC at primary care teams. The main barriers identified were: (a) stereotypes associated to the traditional PC approach; (b) poor knowledge from HPs of the PC holistic approach; and (c) lack of specific protocols or pathways for CCC in need of PC. Conclusions Specific skills and resources are the most relevant needs to effectively provide early PC among patients with CCC. First, it is urgent to demystify the negative culture-related vision of PC that is commonly associated to sedation and last days of a person's life. Also, multidisciplinary HPs require specific training to identify and provide early PC tailored to CCC. And, it is required a strategic and multi-setting organizational approach with fluent information flow and coordinated roles. Key messages Healthcare expenditure would be considerably reduced, especially at hospital and emergency units, with an early identification of patients with CCC in need of PC. Empowering primary HPs in PC would improve the quality of care of patients with CCC.

scholarly journals Barriers and facilitators to e-learning in palliative care

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (8) ◽  
pp. 394-402
Author(s):  
Joanne Callinan
Keyword(s):  
Palliative Care ◽  
Administrative Support ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Computer Training ◽  
Barriers And Facilitators ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Course Work ◽  
E Learning ◽  
Prior Experiences

Background: E-learning provides opportunities for flexible learning to those who cannot access palliative education in the traditional classroom setting, but it also presents learners with challenges. The study aims to identify the barriers and facilitators to accessing e-learning courses in palliative care. Methods: Cross-sectional surveys were developed, piloted and disseminated to healthcare professionals (HCPs) working in palliative care on the island of Ireland (Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland). Results: Important factors that motivated HCPs to participate in e-learning are: dedicated time; quick technical and administrative support; computer training before completing an e-learning course; and regular contact with the tutor in online course work. Some 50% indicated face-to-face assistance and hands-on training sessions as the type of support that they would like to receive. Conclusions: Healthcare professionals' prior experiences and attitudes towards e-learning will guide educators developing programmes. This study indicates the prerequisite for organisational supports and practical considerations to facilitate the uptake of e-learning.

scholarly journals Chinese medical teachers’ cultural attitudes influence palliative care education: a qualitative study

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Antonia M. Willemsen ◽  
Piret Paal ◽  
Silja Zhang ◽  
Stephen Mason ◽  
Frank Elsner
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Palliative Care ◽  
Death And Dying ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Special Importance ◽  
Cultural Attitudes ◽  
Care Education ◽  
Palliative Care Education ◽  
Education In China ◽  
Medical Teachers

Abstract Background China holds one fifth of the world’s population and faces a rapidly aging society. In its ambition to reach a health care standard comparable to developed countries by 2030, the implementation of palliative care gains special importance. Until now, palliative care education in China is limited and disparate. This study aims to explore and determine factors that have impeded the development and implementation of palliative care education in China. Methods We conducted semi-structured interviews with n=28 medical teachers from seven Chinese universities. Interviews were transcribed, and thematic analysis applied. Results Three themes with two subthemes were constructed from data analysis. Theme 1 covers the still ambivalent perception of palliative care and palliative care education among participants. The second theme is about cultural attitudes around death and communication. The third theme reflects participants’ pragmatic general understanding of teaching. All themes incorporate obstacles to further implementation of palliative care and palliative care education in China. Conclusions According to the study participants, palliative care implementation through palliative care education in China is hindered by cultural views of medical teachers, their perception of palliative care and palliative care education, and their understanding of teaching. The study demonstrates that current attitudes may work as an obstacle to the implementation of palliative care within the health care system. Approaches to changing medical teachers’ views on palliative care and palliative care education and their cultural attitudes towards death and dying are crucial to further promote the implementation of palliative care in China.

scholarly journals Young adults understanding and readiness to engage with palliative care: extending the reach of palliative care through a public health approach: a qualitative study

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anita Mallon ◽  
Felicity Hasson ◽  
Karen Casson ◽  
Paul Slater ◽  
Sonja McIlfatrick
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Palliative Care ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Death And Dying ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Public Health Approach ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Comfort Care ◽  
Positive Attitudes ◽  
Framework Approach

Abstract Background Moving palliative care from a solely clinical focus to a more population based and community orientated approach is the hallmark of a much advocated public health approach to palliative care. Young adults are a vital cohort of the public, yet their understanding of palliative care has not been investigated. This study aimed to explore young adults’ understanding of palliative care and identify factors that influence their engagement. Methods A purposive sample of young adults (n = 24) aged 18–29 years were recruited from one UK University. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken face to face or via telephone or Skype between November 2017 and February 2018. Thematic analysis using a framework approach and underpinned by a socioecological perspective was used to analyse the interviews. Results Three thematic categories were identified relating to intrapersonal and interpersonal influences, cultural and social influences and organisational and public policy influences. Palliative care was understood as supportive comfort care, delivered in the absence of cure, associated with the end of life and specifically focused on death and dying. Negative attitudes related to the context of care, which represented a static and hopeless situation. Whilst some reported positive attitudes, potential engagement was seen to be governed by a lack of knowledge and protective cultural norms. In terms of demonstrating readiness to engage with palliative care, participants requested clear information and suggested a normalising of palliative care through the education system. Conclusion Young adults in this study were ready to find out more about palliative care and identified social media as a platform upon which to engage this population. However, their perception of a society that views palliative care as a subject for those directly affected, creates a barrier to engagement. This study identified the ingredients of a public health message and mediums for disseminating the message. However, findings also suggest that a cultural shift is required to recognise the potential of engaging young adults in health issues that cross the life span, empowering them not only as individuals but as vital members of community and society.

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