Journal of palliative medicine
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Despite the fact that our institution has approximately 40 inpatient deaths per month, until recently virtually no support was provided to families/friends of the deceased. We developed and implemented a comprehensive bereavement program to prepare individuals for the loss and also to support them through the grieving process.
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Multicenter Study
Initial assessment of a new instrument to measure quality of life at the end of life.
We conducted this study to pilot a new multidimensional instrument to assess the quality of life at the end of life. ⋯ We have developed a new instrument to measure the quality of life at the end of life that assesses empirically derived domains that are of demonstrated importance to dying patients, is acceptable to a seriously ill population, and exhibits excellent psychometric properties. Some items related to completion and preparation represent particularly new contributions to quality-of-life measurement.
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To describe the palliative care needs of dying nursing home residents during the last 3 months of life. ⋯ Dying nursing home residents need improved emotional and spiritual care, help with personal cleanliness, and treatment for pain. Efforts to improve end-of-life care in nursing homes should combine traditional palliative care services with increased attention to emotional symptoms and personal care services.
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This study sought to explore the stories of long-term palliative care workers to generate an understanding of their experiences of working in palliative care for an extended period of time. Six health professionals participated in the study, each of whom were currently working in a palliative care service, and each of whom had been working continuously in palliative care services for a minimum of 5 years. ⋯ Results from this study may be helpful to educators and administrators who endeavour to develop and support this workforce. Furthermore, the descriptions provided in this study may provide direction for individuals working in palliative care who may be called on to reflect on their own work trajectory and their commitment to the field.
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Hospice at the California Medical Facility (CMF) Vacaville dates back to the mid-1980s, when the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) epidemic began to be felt throughout California's Department of Corrections. Vacaville has served for decades as the principal location for delivering health services to California's incarcerated men. Informal hospice-like services were inspired by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross and through inmate and community calls for more humane care for dying inmates. ⋯ Training for physicians, staff and PCS volunteers is provided by the University of California, Davis faculty of the West Coast Center for Palliative Education. Bereavement services are provided for PCS volunteers, other inmate "family" and staff. Family and friends of the deceased in the free community are followed by phone, mail, and primarily through referral to resources in their local area.