Kim Sweers
Centre for Nursing Sciences KU Leuven, Belgium
Title: End-of-life (care) perspectives and expectations of patients with schizophrenia
Biography
Biography: Kim Sweers
Abstract
Background: Schizophrenia is a disabling and life-shortening psychiatric disorder due to disease, medication and lifestyle-related factors. It is therefore not unreasonable to assume that existential themes are important for these patients. Methods: Transcripts of 20 patients were coded and analyzed thematically using a modified grounded theory approach in the exploration of perspectives and expectations of end-of-life (care). Results: No fear of death, skilled companionship and preserving quality of life were major themes in the interviews. Conclusion: This study showed that patients, despite emotional flattening and cognitive deficits, find the possibility to discuss end-of-life topics reassuring and some even therapeutic.