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Finding privacy from a public death: A qualitative exploration of how a dedicated space for end-of-life care in an acute hospital impacts on dying patients and their families
Journal article   Peer reviewed

Finding privacy from a public death: A qualitative exploration of how a dedicated space for end-of-life care in an acute hospital impacts on dying patients and their families

S. Slatyer, C. Pienaar, A.M. Williams, K. Proctor and L. Hewitt
Journal of Clinical Nursing, Vol.24(15-16), pp.2164-2174
2015
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Abstract

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To explore the experiences and perceptions of hospital staff caring for dying patients in a dedicated patient/family room (named Lotus Room). BACKGROUND: Dying in hospital is a common outcome for people across the world. However, noise and activity in acute environments present barriers to quality end-of-life care. This is of concern because care provided to dying patients has been shown to affect both the patients and the bereaved families. DESIGN: A qualitative descriptive approach was used. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 17 multidisciplinary staff and seven families provided information through an investigator-developed instrument. RESULTS: Qualitative data analysis generated three categories describing: Dying in an hospital; The Lotus Room; and the Outcomes for patients and families. The Lotus Room was seen as a large, private and, ultimately, safe space for patients and families within the public hospital environment. Family feedback supported staff perspectives that the Lotus Room facilitated family presence and communication. CONCLUSIONS: The privacy afforded by the Lotus Room within this acute hospital provided benefits for the dying patients and grieving families. Improved outcomes included a peaceful death for patients, which may have assisted the family with their bereavement. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: This study provides evidence of how the physical environment can address well-established barriers to quality end-of-life care in acute hospitals.

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Source: InCites

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Collaboration types
Domestic collaboration
Citation topics
1 Clinical & Life Sciences
1.112 Palliative Care
1.112.237 End-of-Life Care
Web Of Science research areas
Nursing
ESI research areas
Clinical Medicine
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