Experience in Acceptance of Hospice by Patients with Terminal Cancer : A Phenomenological Research.
10.4040/jkan.2013.43.6.781
- Author:
Su Young KWAK
1
;
Byoung Sook LEE
Author Information
1. Dongsan Medical Center, Keimyung University, Daegu, Korea.
- Publication Type:Original Article ; English Abstract
- Keywords:
Hospices;
Terminally ill;
Experiences;
Qualitative research
- MeSH:
Adaptation, Psychological;
Adult;
Aged;
Caregivers/psychology;
Female;
*Hospice Care;
Hospitals, University;
Humans;
Interviews as Topic;
Male;
Middle Aged;
Neoplasms/*psychology;
*Qualitative Research;
Terminally Ill
- From:Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
2013;43(6):781-790
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to further understanding of the experience in acceptance of hospice by patients with terminal cancer and to explore the structure of this experience. METHODS: A phenomenological methodology was used for the study. Participants were nine patients who were admitted to the hospice unit of a university hospital. In-depth interviews were done for data collection and the data were analyzed using Colaizzi's method. RESULTS: Four categories, eight theme clusters and 18 themes were identified for the experience in acceptance of hospice by patients with terminal cancer. The three categories were 'Hope for a comfortable death', 'Overcoming barrier of prejudice about hospice', 'Incessant craving for life', 'The last consideration for self and family'. CONCLUSION: While accepting the hospice care, participants experienced inner conflict between giving up medical treatments that prolong life and choosing a comfortable death, and also experienced an incessant craving for life. By accepting hospice care, they showed a human dignity that entails careful concerns for both self and family members.
