Affiliation:
1. Faculty of Medical & Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
2. Te Whatu Ora Te Toka Tumai Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
Abstract
Background: In the context of a sudden or unexpected event, people with a life-limiting illness and their family caregivers may be dependent on emergency ambulance services Aim: To explore bereaved family members’ experiences of emergency ambulance care at the end of life. Design: A qualitative study using reflexive thematic analysis of data collected from semi-structured phone interviews. Setting/Participants: A purposive sample of 38 family caregivers identified from a database of deaths in Aotearoa, New Zealand. Results: Emergency ambulance personnel assist, inform and reassure patients and family caregivers managing distressing symptoms, falls, infections, unexpected events and death itself. Family members and patients are aware of the pressure on emergency services and sometimes hesitate to call an ambulance. Associating ambulances with unwanted transport to hospital is also a source of reluctance. Conclusions: The generalist palliative care provided by emergency ambulance personnel is a vital service for patients in the last year of life, and their caregivers. This must be acknowledged in palliative care policy and supported with training, specialist consultation and adequate resources.
Funder
national heart foundation of new zealand
Cancer Research Society New Zealand
auckland dhb charitable trust
Subject
Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine,General Medicine
Cited by
5 articles.
订阅此论文施引文献
订阅此论文施引文献,注册后可以免费订阅5篇论文的施引文献,订阅后可以查看论文全部施引文献