Being an end-of-life doula

Area of Science:

• Palliative Care
• Sociology of Health

Background:

• The role of end-of-life doulas, while historically present in communities, often lacks formal recognition.
• There is a growing need for personalized support during the dying process.

Purpose of the Study:

• To define the role and training of end-of-life doulas.
• To explore how doulas facilitate a desired end-of-life experience by prioritizing patient preferences.
• To examine the integration of doula support within modern healthcare, including advance care planning and Do Not Attempt Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (DNACPR) discussions.

Main Methods:

• Descriptive analysis of the end-of-life doula role.
• Exploration of holistic and practical approaches to end-of-life care.
• Discussion of contemporary end-of-life issues through the doula's perspective.

Main Results:

• End-of-life doulas provide practical and holistic support, centering care on the dying person's wishes.
• Doulas encourage open communication about end-of-life choices, including advance care planning and digital legacy.
• They operate within an integrative healthcare model, collaborating with medical professionals.

Conclusions:

• End-of-life doulas play a vital role in enhancing end-of-life care by advocating for patient autonomy and preferences.
• Formalizing the role of end-of-life doulas can improve death literacy and support individuals in achieving a meaningful end-of-life experience.
• Integrating doulas into healthcare systems offers a complementary approach to palliative and end-of-life support.