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A qualitative study of the emotional and spiritual needs of Hispanic families in hospice

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 May 2017

Alicia Nuñez ,
Jason M. Holland ,
Lisa Beckman ,
Abbie Kirkendall  and
Nora Luna
Alicia Nuñez
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Nevada
Jason M. Holland*
Affiliation:
Department of Clinical Psychology, William James College, Newton, Massachusetts
Lisa Beckman
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Nevada
Abbie Kirkendall
Affiliation:
School of Social Work, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Nevada
Nora Luna
Affiliation:
Nathan Adelson Hospice, Las Vegas, Nevada
*
Address correspondence and reprint requests to: Jason M. Holland, 1 Wells Avenue, Newton, Massachusetts 02459, USA. E-Mail: jmhollnd@gmail.com.
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Abstract

Background:

As the older U.S. population becomes more ethnically diverse, there will be an increased need for culturally sensitive hospice care services. Hispanics often experience multiple barriers to quality end-of-life care services.

Objective:

To address the underlying disparities in the cultural, emotional, and spiritual aspects of hospice care, the objective of the present qualitative study was to examine the emotional and spiritual needs of Hispanic patients' families while in hospice.

Method:

Semistructured in-person interviews were conducted with 29 Hispanic patients' families regarding their perceived experience of the hospice-based emotional and spiritual support received. Demographic information was collected on both the family member and the patient. Interviews were digitally recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using thematic content analysis.

Results:

Participant narratives fell into five main themes: (1) the influence of Hispanic culture in the relationship with hospice care providers; (2) types of social support received from hospice; (3) barriers to receiving support; (4) lack of health literacy regarding hospice care; and (5) cultural preferences for religious/spiritual support in hospice.

Significance of Results:

Our results provide insight into the specific emotional and spiritual needs of Hispanic families receiving hospice services. Our findings highlight that cultural values play an important role in the hospice care experiences of Hispanic families.

Keywords

HispanicHospiceEnd of lifeEmotional supportSpirituality
Type
Original Article
Information
Palliative & Supportive Care , Volume 17 , Issue 2 , April 2019 , pp. 150 - 158
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2017 

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