The 'good death' in Mainland China - A Scoping Review
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View abstract on PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.Western palliative care influences China, creating challenges in defining a "good death." This study reveals a cultural negotiation between traditional Chinese philosophy and Western medicine, impacting end-of-life care understanding among various stakeholders.
Area Of Science
- Palliative Care and End-of-Life Studies
- Cross-Cultural Healthcare Research
- Sociology of Health and Illness
Background
- Western palliative care philosophy has influenced mainland China's palliative care development since the mid-1980s.
- This influence has presented significant challenges in adapting and integrating these philosophies within the Chinese context.
- Understanding the concept of a 'good death' is crucial for effective end-of-life care.
Purpose Of The Study
- To explore the multifaceted understanding of a 'good death' within end-of-life care settings in mainland China.
- To investigate perspectives on a 'good death' among diverse stakeholders, including authorities, healthcare professionals, patients, and their relatives.
- To identify the cultural and philosophical underpinnings shaping the perception of a 'good death' in China.
Main Methods
- A comprehensive scoping review was conducted following the PRISMA-ScR checklist.
- Literature searches encompassed major databases (Medline, CINAHL, PsycInfo, Web of Sciences) from 2001-2021.
- Data analysis involved descriptive numerical summaries and qualitative thematic analysis of 19 empirical studies and 2 political documents.
Main Results
- Thematic analysis identified three key themes: 'Medicalisation of death,' 'Communication about death - a clash between two philosophies,' and 'Dying and death were socially dependent.'
- A 'good death' was often understood as painless and symptom-free, with dignity and shared decision-making being important, yet varied across different actors.
- Perceptions of a 'good death' represented a negotiation between traditional Chinese philosophy and Western medical practices, highlighting tensions in openness about death and practical/social preparations.
Conclusions
- A significant cultural clash exists in understanding a 'good death' in mainland China.
- Western philosophy appears to influence political and medical actors, while traditional Chinese philosophy resonates with segments of the population.
- Reconciling these differing philosophies is essential for advancing culturally sensitive end-of-life care.
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