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Achieving a healthy death: the dying person's attitudinal contributions
The Hospice Journal
|January 1, 1993
Summary
This study identified psychologically beneficial attitudes for patients, families, and caregivers facing end-of-life care. These findings offer insights into fostering a "healthy" death and improving hospice support.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Palliative Care
- Thanatology
Background:
- Understanding psychological factors influencing end-of-life experiences is crucial.
- Limited research exists on attitudes beneficial for the dying, their families, and caregivers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify psychologically beneficial attitudes for patients, families, and caregivers during end-of-life.
- To explore the concept of a "healthy" death through patient attitudes.
Main Methods:
- A nationwide survey using the Omega Attitudes Inventory.
- Systematic selection of 467 hospice coordinators.
- Analysis of 327 (70%) responses.
Main Results:
- High concordance was found with patient attitudes contributing to a "healthy" death.
- Identified attitudes were qualitatively enhanced with anecdotes and literature.
- The study confirmed the existence of beneficial psychological attitudes in end-of-life care.
Conclusions:
- Identified attitudes have implications for clinical practice in hospice and palliative care.
- Recommendations for further research into end-of-life psychological support.
- Fostering specific attitudes can improve the dying experience for all involved.