Awareness of Palliative Care and End-of-Life Options Among African Canadians in Nova Scotia

作者：Maddalena Victor^*; Bernard Wanda Thomas; Davis Murdoch Sharon; Smith Donna

来源：Journal of Transcultural Nursing, 2013, 24(2): 144-152.

DOI：10.1177/1043659612472190

• end-of-life care
• transcultural health
• qualitative research
• African Canadians

Purpose: To assess, using qualitative methods, the knowledge African Canadians living in Nova Scotia have regarding their options for palliative and end-of-life (EOL) care. Design: This project engaged caregivers in a Black community in Nova Scotia, Canada, in an exploration of palliative and EOL care. A group of six caregivers who cared for someone who had died were recruited through purposive sampling. The caregivers met three times to (1) discuss their experiences, (2) receive a presentation from the palliative care service, and (3) discuss whether those services would be beneficial. This was followed by a community meeting to discuss the findings. Findings: Knowledge of options for palliative care services is limited. Family centered care may be a reason why %26quot;system%26quot; is generally not aware of the EOL experiences of African Nova Scotians. Discussion: Information about palliative care services is not filtering down to the community in a way that is meaningful to families. Families tend to self-select services that assist them in providing care in the home setting. There is a need to engage Black communities and palliative care services in developing culturally appropriate services.

• 出版日期2013-4