title: Journey of providing care in hospice: perspectives of occupational therapists.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to explore the perspectives of occupational therapists with regard to their role in hospice and to examine whether occupational therapists experienced a conflict in supporting the dual status of living and dying for individuals with terminal illness. A qualitative analysis revealed the following themes: tuning in and comfort care, loss, working toward death, journey with patient, team player, use of occupational therapy, and dichotomous role. These themes demonstrated that occupational therapists played a significant role in hospice, helping individuals with terminal illness to live life fully and comfortably while facing death. The study found that occupational therapists used a holistic approach in their work by addressing the physical, social, emotional, and spiritual aspects of care.
authors.affiliation: Providence Everett Medical Center, Everett, Washington, USA.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Rahman
mesh_terms: D000488:Allied Health Personnel / Q000523:psychology*; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001293:Attitude to Death; D006302:Health Services Research; D017051:Hospice Care / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D009788:Occupational Therapy; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations; D013727:Terminal Care / Q000523:psychology; D014861:Washington; D000078329:Workforce