The illness experience of older adults near the end of life: a systematic review.
A systematic literature review identified qualitative studies of issues important to older people near the end of their lives, to develop a model of the illness experience near the end of life based on the views of older people. Six elements were identified from 40 studies that comprise a core domain of the experience of illness while dying: burden, suffering, hope, dignity, decision making, and control and autonomy. These elements were interwoven with three main themes: contextual factors, perceptions and concerns, and response to illness. Collectively, the core domain and the three themes comprise a model of the experience of illness near the end of life.
Palliative Care and Hospice Service, Geriatrics and Extended Care Service, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, S-182-GEC, 1660 South Columbian Way, Seattle, WA 98108, USA. dgruen@u.washington.edu
David A
DA
Gruenewald
Elizabeth J
EJ
White
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D001293:Attitude to Death; D001294:Attitude to Health; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008875:Middle Aged; D013727:Terminal Care / Q000523:psychology*; D019452:Terminally Ill / Q000523:psychology*