Uncertainties experienced by family members when one parent is dying.
OBJECTIVE
This research examined uncertainty as a salient theme for families in which a parent was dying while receiving hospice care.


METHODS
Interviews were conducted with 61 participants from 26 families in the parent study to explore the strategies used by adolescents with a parent in a hospice. Second interviews were conducted with 15 original participants after the death of their parent. Conventional content analysis was used to analyse data.


RESULTS
Uncertainty was a prevalent and salient theme in the participants' stories revealing patterns about the causes, barriers, effects and strategies used to manage uncertainty.


CONCLUSIONS
Uncertainties associated with the end of life can be problematic for some people, requiring attention by health professionals.
Assistant Professor, at the College of Nursing, Kent State University, Ohio, US.
Pam Shockey
PS
Stephenson
Associate Professor, at the College of Nursing, Kent State University, Ohio, US.
Denice
D
Sheehan
Assistant Professor, at the College of Nursing, Kent State University, Ohio, US.
Dana
D
Hansen
Assistant Professor, Department of Nursing, Ursuline College, Pepper Pike, Ohio, US.
M Murray
MM
Mayo
End of Life; Hospice; Qualitative research; Uncertainty