title: End of life issues in a palliative care framework for a critically ill adult African American with cystic fibrosis: a case study.
abstract: The purpose of this investigation, using case study methodology, was to explore the end of life issues and to give meaning to the biopsychosocial experiences of the study participant, an adult African American female patient diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis. Two theoretical frameworks were used to guide the investigation of the study: Kubler-Ross Model of the Stages of Dying and the Conceptual Framework for Palliative Care Practice. Data analysis included review of medical records and patient journals, interviews, observations and clinical assessment. The findings indicated that end of life issues can be articulated within the context of a palliative care framework and that the biopsychosocial experiences of the dying person acquire meaning when situated within life history, ethical values and metaphysical belief systems.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, USA.
authors.forename: Gloria J
authors.initials: GJ
authors.lastname: McNeal
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D001741:Black or African American; D001293:Attitude to Death / Q000208:ethnology*; D003422:Critical Care / Q000941:ethics*; D016638:Critical Illness; D003550:Cystic Fibrosis / Q000208:ethnology / Q000235:genetics / Q000628:therapy*; D019468:Disease Management; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008875:Middle Aged; D010166:Palliative Care / Q000941:ethics*; D029181:Spirituality; D013727:Terminal Care / Q000941:ethics* / Q000523:psychology; D013795:Thanatology