Kontakt 2007, 9(1):112-118 | DOI: 10.32725/kont.2007.014

Hospice care from the point of view of clientsHealth and Social Sciences

Petra Zimmelová^*, Jana Skalská

Jihočeská univerzita v Českých Budějovicích, Zdravotně sociální fakulta, katedra klinických oborů

The target of the present research was finding as large benefit of the hospice care to their clients as possible. The research was implemented by the form of a qualitative survey, by the method of interviewing. The group included 8 clients of two Czech hospices. The results indicated that the personal approach of hospices is the largest benefit to the clients. Seven of eight clients expressed positive differences in the attitude of the hospice personnel to them and their families compared with the personnel in the other health facilities. They are completely satisfied with the care received from the nurses. The humane attitude, patience, kindness, graciousness, dedication, friendliness, etc. are the characteristics most appreciated here and missing in other facilities. Nurses in hospitals and facilities for long-term treatment, old people homes and other health institutions were particularly subjected to criticism. The background provided for the client is also positively evaluated: possibility of having his/her own room, of having any of close relatives with him/her and of choosing the regimen depending on his/her ideas and needs. In the course of processing this subject, further facts occurred, which should be solved. One of further large tasks to be faced is a change of the attitude to the treatment of incurable patients. It is necessary to be aware of the fact that the target is not to extend the patient life at any price, but to provide the dignity, full value and quality of his/her life. The work conclusively considers the starting points revealed. Requirements for extending principles of the hospice care in the fields of advisory activity and hospice services are the topical tasks. Application of hospice care principles to facilities for long-term treatment and old people homes is also of importance to provide the last days of clients of these facilities in dignity.

Keywords: Hospice; client; terminal patient

Received: April 9, 2007; Accepted: April 30, 2007; Published: June 15, 2007  Show citation