Existential loneliness in a palliative home care setting

Area of Science:

• Palliative Care
• Existential Psychology
• Oncology

Background:

• Diagnosis of incurable cancer triggers existential crises.
• Palliative care patients and families face profound emotional challenges.
• Existential isolation is a significant concern in end-of-life care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the emotions, perceptions, and experiences of existential isolation.
• To understand the lived experiences of palliative cancer patients and their families.
• To identify triggers and manifestations of existential loneliness in end-of-life care.

Main Methods:

• In-depth interviews with 40 nonreligious Swedish participants (20 patients, 20 family members).
• Participants were enrolled in advanced hospital-based home care.
• Qualitative hermeneutic analysis of taped and transcribed interviews.

Main Results:

• Impending death is a primary source of existential loneliness.
• Social isolation increases due to illness-related life changes and restricted interaction.
• Triggers include lack of support, disrespectful or dehumanizing treatment, and avoidance by others.
• Changes in body and mood contribute to feelings of loneliness and self-estrangement.

Conclusions:

• Existential isolation is a prominent experience for palliative cancer patients and their families.
• Maintaining a sense of community and empathetic interaction is crucial in mitigating isolation.
• Healthcare professionals must be sensitive to the profound psychological and existential needs of patients.