Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: http://hdl.handle.net/1959.3/192617

Title

'But isn't it depressing?' The vitality of palliative care

Author(s)

Webster, Judi;  Kristjanson, Linda J.

Abstract

A common question about palliative care from those unfamiliar with the work is, "But isn't it depressing?" This view distances palliative care workers from the general public and reflects a deeply held belief that matters associated with death and dying are negative. Published definitions fall short of capturing a full understanding of the work, making it difficult to communicate the meaning of palliative care. This qualitative study examined the experiences of six long-term palliative care workers. Palliative care was described as "a way of living" and, throughout the descriptions, the concept of "vitality" emerged as the core meaning of palliative care. In the current economic environment, where there is competition for health care funding, more widespread agreement about the meaning of palliative care is important if informed decisions are to be made about allocation of resources.

Publication type

Journal article

Source

Journal of Palliative Care, Vol. 18, no. 1 (2002), pp. 15-24

Publication year

2002

FOR Code(s)

1117 Public Health and Health Services

Keyword(s)

Attitude of health personnel;  Attitude to death;  Counseling;  Defense mechanism;  Health personnel attitude;  Job satisfaction;  Long-term care;  Medical staff;  Negativism;  Nursing staff;  Palliative care;  Pastoral care;  Patient care team;  Perception;  Psychological aspect;  Psychological models;  Social perception;  Social work

Publisher

Centre for Bioethics, Clinical Research Institute of Montreal

ISSN

0825-8597

Publisher URL

http://www.criugm.qc.ca/journalofpalliativecare

Copyright

Copyright © 2002 Centre for Bioethics, IRCM.

Peer reviewed