title: [Concept analysis of preparatory grief in terminal cancer patients].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to conceptualize and clarify a concept of "preparatory grief" in terminal cancer patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  A hybrid model of concept development was applied to develop a concept of preparatory grief, which included a field study carried out in Busan, Korea. Participants of this study were 8 cancer patients.
  
  
  RESULTS
  On the basis of our literature, research and clinical experience, the concept of preparatory grief emerged as a complex phenomenon playing an important role in five areas; physical, emotional, interpersonal, religious, and transcendental dimensions. Two new attributes were defined through a field phase; trust of the post-mortal world and a serene state of mind. Indicators reflected attitudes of sadness, worry, regret, capability to adapt and hope. The results of preparatory grief were loss of energy and interest, emotional chaos, contemplation, taciturnity and restoration.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Differentiating among preparatory grief and other symptoms in cancer patients is essential because of therapeutic implications. Understanding preparatory grief is necessary in order to manage cancer patients for promoting quality of life so that its application may have a positive impact on the patient's life.
authors.affiliation: College of Nursing, Pusan National University.
authors.forename: Hyoung-Sook
authors.initials: HS
authors.lastname: Park
authors.forename: Myoung-Soo
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Jung-Sim
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Jung
authors.forename: Nam-Yeoun
authors.initials: NY
authors.lastname: Choi
authors.forename: Sung-Mi
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Yu
authors.forename: Young-Soon
authors.initials: YS
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Young-Hee
authors.initials: YH
authors.lastname: Ko
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000368:Aged; D003210:Concept Formation; D003376:Counseling / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006117:Grief; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology*; D011788:Quality of Life; D013727:Terminal Care