| Learning Objective #1: Gain an insight into the lived experience of loneliness among people with life-limiting illness | |||
| Learning Objective #2: Gain an overview of the challenges of end-of-life research, as well as implications for the way we provide care for people who are dying |
Design: This paper will provide delegates with a critical overview of the methodological process of a doctoral study on the experience of loneliness among persons in their final year of life. The challenge for the researcher focuses on the construction of interpretations that will help to give meaning to the subjective and individual experience of dying people. This form of loneliness is an 'existential' phenomenon, highlighting the nature of existence and their particular meaning for each individual. Justification for the choice of philosophical hermeneutics (Gadamer, 1975) as a theoretical framework and the application of van Manen’s (1997) approach to human science research will be given;
Population, Sample, Setting, Years: Following ethical approval, data has been collected during 2003 through the use of in-depth and repeated phenomenological conversations with 16 participants (8 males, 8 females, ranging in age from 43-80 years) in a range of hospital, hospice and home settings;
Concept studied: The concept of loneliness has been studied;
Methods: Phenomenological methods of data collection and analysis have been undertaken guided by van Manens approach (1997). The importance of careful consideration of access, gate keeping, managing sensitive interview situations, researcher vulnerability and follow-up support will be discussed;
Findings: The study provides indication that loneliness is a common experience among people with life-limiting illness and is characterised by a range of losses, e.g. loss of lifestyle, loss of responsibility, loss of health and loss of self.
Conclusions: In concluding, the place of phenomenological inquiry within palliative care research and practice development activity will be supported.
Implications: The study has implications for the way we communicate with dying persons, and will call for future quantitative and qualitative research on this topic.
Back to Palliative Care and the Nurse
Back to 15th International Nursing Research Congress
Sigma Theta Tau International
July 22-24, 2004