Abstract
Aim:
To establish whether respite care addresses the needs of palliative care service users and carers.
Background:
Respite care is often described in UK policy and guidance as a key need to providing support for this group and yet little is known about it and there is a lack of research to support its efficacy.
Design:
The approach was qualitative and the methodology was interpretive. The method used was constructivist grounded theory.
Methods:
Data collection was carried out by unstructured informal interview with three couples and two bereaved carers who had experienced hospice respite care.
Results:
Findings showed that respite care is valued by palliative care service users and carers although there are some fundamental tensions in service models which limit its potential.
Conclusion:
A reframing of respite care as an empathic response within a new palliative care approach is proposed. Within this, the centrality of the relationship is reinforced.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 174-185 |
Journal | International Journal of Palliative Nursing |
Volume | 23 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2 Apr 2017 |