| Records |
Author  |
Carter, H.; MacLeod, R.; Brander, P.; McPherson, K. |
| Title |
Living with a terminal illness: Patients' priorities |
Type |
Journal Article |
| Year |
2004 |
Publication |
Journal of Advanced Nursing |
Abbreviated Journal |
|
| Volume |
45 |
Issue |
6 |
Pages |
611-620 |
| Keywords |
Terminal care; Quality of life; Nursing models; Cancer |
| Abstract |
The aim of this paper is to report on an exploratory, qualitative study exploring what people living with terminal illness considered were the areas of priority in their lives. Ten people living with terminal cancer were interviewed. Analysis of the interviews incorporated principles of narrative analysis and grounded theory. Over 30 categories were identified and collated into five inter-related themes (personal/intrinsic factors, external/extrinsic factors, future issues, perceptions of normality and taking charge) encompassing the issues of importance to all participants. Each theme focused on 'life and living' in relation to life as it was or would be without illness. Practical issues of daily living and the opportunity to address philosophical issues around the meaning of life emerged as important areas. The central theme, 'taking charge', concerned with people's levels of life engagement, was integrally connected to all other themes. The findings suggest that the way in which health professionals manage patients' involvement in matters such as symptom relief can impact on existential areas of concern. The findings challenge some aspects of traditional 'expert-defined' outcome measures. As this was an exploratory study, further work is needed to test and develop the model presented. |
| Call Number |
NRSNZNO @ research @ |
Serial |
1061 |
| Permanent link to this record |
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| Author |
Carter, H.; McKinlay, E.M.; Scott, I.; Wise, D.; MacLeod, R. |
| Title |
Impact of a hospital palliative care service: Perspective of the hospital staff |
Type |
Journal Article |
| Year |
2002 |
Publication |
JBI Reports |
Abbreviated Journal |
|
| Volume |
18 |
Issue |
3 |
Pages |
160-167 |
| Keywords |
Palliative care; Hospitals; Attitude of health personnel; Cancer |
| Abstract |
The first New Zealand hospital palliative care support service was established in 1985. Different service models have now been adopted by various major hospitals. In 1998, a palliative care service, funded by Mary Potter Hospice, was piloted at Wellington Public Hospital. Twelve months post-implementation, the hospital staff's views of the service were evaluated. It was found that referrals to palliative care from hospital specialities outside the Cancer Centre increased. While most doctors, nurses and social workers strongly agreed or agreed that the service positively influenced patients' care and effectively addressed their symptom management needs, spiritual needs were less often met. Over 90 percent of each discipline strongly agreed or agreed that the service had assisted them in caring for patients, but, only about a half agreed that useful discharge planning advice and staff support was provided. Significant differences in responses were found between different disciplines and specialities. One fifth of the staff identified palliative care education needs. Recommendations are made concerning the development of a future hospital palliative care service. |
| Call Number |
NRSNZNO @ research @ |
Serial |
1075 |
| Permanent link to this record |
