No abstract

Hispanics are the fastest growing minority group in the United States, numbering over 42 million and comprising 15% of the total population (U.S. Census Bureau, 2008 ). Hispanics are a heterogeneous group that experience disparities in accessing health care, including at the end of life. Specific gaps can be identified in the care of bereaved Hispanic individuals and families. This exploratory study examined bereavement services available and perceived needs for Hispanics in Florida. Hospice bereavement coordinators indicated that limited services were available specifically for Spanish-speakers and that language and cultural barriers were challenges when communicating, offering, and delivering bereavement services to Hispanics. Implications for social workers include the need to increase access to and evaluate the effectiveness of bereavement services for Hispanics.

RESUMENEstudio cualitativo realizado a fin de comprender el significado de las experiencias de los pacientes y los que les brindan cuidados durante el período que permanecen en el Programa de Cuidados Paliativos, así como las diferentes maneras de enfrentar su enfermedad terminal en Chile. Los resultados de este estudio señalan la importancia de encontrar un refugio, de lo contrario es o será difícil enfrentar las cosas; tal situación fue denominada "pertenecer a algo mayor". Estos resultados tienen implicancias hacia las áreas de investigación, práctica y para la elaboración de políticas públicas. Este estudio puede servir como motivación para futuras investigaciones que puedan enfocarse en áreas relacionadas con el tratamiento paliativo y el aspecto psicosocial del paciente y/o familia.Palabras clave: Significado de la experiencia paliativa, cáncer avanzado, cuidadores, programa cuidados paliativos, estudio cualitativo. ABSTRACTThe goal of this qualitative study was to understand the meaning of the experiences of patients and their caregivers enrolled in palliative care and facing a terminal illness in Chile. Two focus groups were conducted to understand the patients' experiences and the caregivers' experiences. Results point to the importance of finding a sense of refuge in order to cope with a terminal illness. The overarching theme of this study "belonging to something greater" emerged from the participants' experiences. The findings provide guidance to focus on further research, practice, and policy efforts in the area of palliative care in Chile. This study may serve as motivation to enhance research studies focusing on different bio-psychosocial aspects of palliative care and how these factors influence patients and/or families.

No abstract

No abstract