Närståendes behov vid palliativ vård i livets slutskede

: En litteraturstudie

Abstract

Background: Palliative care is the care given when the patient no longer responds to curative treatment. Being a next of kin to someone who is receiving palliative care can cause strains that had never before been experienced. The next-of-kin's needs vary depending on what role they currently find themselves in, either the role as recipients of care or the role of caregiver. Aim: The aim was to describe next-of-kin's needs in palliative care at the end of life, when their loved ones were cared for at home. Method: The study was conducted as a literature review and based on eleven critically examined quantitative and qualitative articles. The data was found in the databases Cinhal, PubMed and PsycINFO. Results: The needs that where identified and described in the results where; participation, information and knowledge, normality and continuity of everyday life, support and meaningfulness. Conclusion: All next-of-kin's should be given a chance for a meaningful time with loved ones during their end of life. Health professionals need to view next-of-kin's needs holistically, especially when contentment of one need often depends on the fulfillment of other needs.