The experience of uncertainty for individuals with HIV/AIDS and the palliative care paradigm.
This small qualitative study investigated the lived experience of individuals with HIV/AIDS, exploring the uncertainty related to episodes of life-threatening illness followed by recovery, 'revival'. The themes that emerged related to the unpredictability of when death would occur. The participants described the dilemma of living with a chronic illness with a totally unpredictable disease trajectory. Following periods of being extremely unwell, individuals would then recover and experience periods of relative well-being, only to succumb to another infection later. The findings highlighted the uncertainty that pervades all aspects of HIV-positive individuals' lives as they face death. An awareness of this may be important in those offering palliative care to those with HIV/AIDS.
Ipswich Hospital NHS Trust, Pinewood Surgery, Shepherds Drive, Ipswich, IP8 3SL, UK.
Jackie
J
Cochrane
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D001293:Attitude to Death; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001601:Bereavement; D002908:Chronic Disease; D018450:Disease Progression; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008016:Life Change Events; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D010166:Palliative Care / Q000523:psychology*; D036301:Qualitative Research; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012803:Sick Role; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D035501:Uncertainty