End-of-life (care) perspectives and expectations of patients with schizophrenia

6^th World Nursing and Healthcare Conference

August 15-17, 2016 London, UK

Kim Sweers

KU Leuven, Belgium

Posters & Accepted Abstracts: J Nurs Care

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 endof- life topics reassuring and some even therapeutic.

Biography :

Email: kim.sweers@upckuleuven.be