Professionals' perceptions of maintaining personhood in hospice care

This qualitative study examines the attempts made by hospice staff to support and maintain the personhood of hospice patients. The study was conducted over a six-month period at two hospice facilities in northwest England. Thirty staff members were interviewed about their interpretation of the hospice philosophy and how this influences their work with regard to patient personhood. Staff employed methods of normalizing the often-distressing symptoms that accompany serious illness, with the aim of maintaining personhood and dignity. Related to the support of personhood, is the concept of the "special" patient. Staff members discussed feelings of attachment towards particular patients that had developed out of the care-giving relationship. There was no suggestion that staff perceived special patients as receiving preferential treatment at the expense of other patients. However, experiences with "special" patients positively impacted staff members by reinforcing occupational choice and the inherent rewards of the profession.