Date of Award

12-2-2022

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Mennonite College of Nursing

First Advisor

Kim KA Astroth

Abstract

This study aimed to explore African American family members’ needs and experiences during their loved one’s end-of-life. In Chapter 1, a literature review was conducted to review the current state of the literature regarding African American family members’ needs and experiences during their loved one’s end-of-life. Chapter 2 includes a qualitative exploratory study of African American family members’ needs and experiences during their loved one’s end-of-life. The study sample consisted of family members of African Americans being cared for through services provided by an outpatient palliative care facility in the Southeastern United States. Family members answered five open-ended interview questions via a telephone interview. Inclusion criteria were participants with a significant relationship with a patient at the end of life, including parents, grandson/granddaughter, siblings, children, spouse, or other family relationships, were African American, and were 18 years or older. Four themes emerged from participant responses: Reliance on God, poor communication regarding their loved one’s health, wanting more time and having emotional reactions. Underlying subthemes were identified within each section. Chapter 3 includes a review of policy perspectives and initiatives.

Comments

Imported from Obringer_ilstu_0092E_12297.pdf

DOI

https://doi.org/10.30707/ETD2023.20230711063202575583.999952

Page Count

75

Share

COinS