WELLBEING AND CARE SYSTEM FOR PALLIATIVE CARE IN A COMMUNITY

Abstract

This research aims to investigate the provision of palliative care by family and community, and wellbeing of the end-stage patients. Qualitative research methodology, based on case-based approach, was employed. In-depth interview and observation were applied to collect data from 18 key informants that are involved in proving cares to 2 end-stage patients whose were purposively selected. These key informants are 2 family members of the present end-stage patients, 3 family members of previous end-stage patients (patients passed away), 2 health staffs of local hospital, one promoting health care and one providing care, 1 staff of District Public Health Office, 1 monk, 2 community leaders, and 2 village health volunteers. Research results revealed that end-stage patients prefer and wish to stay together with family and relatives, and they needed therapeutic treatment to reduce suffer. Family did not want to see patient’s suffering of pains so that they needed supports about caring knowledge and caring equipment to take care patients. Caring system for the end-stage patients was divided into 3 aspects, including 1) physical care, i.e. the cares in accordance with palliative care standards and pertaining to patient rights as needed. 2) mental/spiritual care; receiving responses on patient’s needs, preparing to die without anxiety, and having chance to perform ceremony under patient’s beliefs. 3) Roles of family and community; having a warmth family, receiving support from community as needed, having kind neighbors who visited to see patients, and helping each other. These conditions encouraged wellbeing of the end-stage patients and let them rest in peace.