Reducing suffering to improve quality of life through health promotion

This paper deals with complex concepts of suffering, quality of life and palliative care in the context of health promotion. Although these concepts have been examined separately, relatively few researchers have attempted to describe and link these concepts with the aim of health promotion. The reason why few attempts have been made is because the concepts are paradoxical and include contrasting ideas. Additionally, a number of core aspects of palliative care are underdeveloped and there is failure to address issues of suffering. Preliminary findings from a phenomenological study of community nurses providing palliative care to suffering clients revealed themes of power and showing the way coming to suffer through not knowing, being as giving by enhancing quality of life and being as giving by sharing. Embedded in these themes are concepts of quality of life, core concerns for managing suffering in terminal illness and ideas for health promotion. These concerns are incorporated in the recommendations for nursing practice and future reseach.