Family caregivers' advocacy in voluntary stopping of eating and drinking: A holistic multiple case study

Jasmin Eppel‐Meichlinger, Sabrina Stängle, Hanna Mayer, André Fringer

Research output: Journal article (peer-reviewed)Journal article

8 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Aim: To gain insight into the experiences of family caregivers who accompanied a loved one during voluntary stopping of eating and drinking and to identify similarities and differences between cases of voluntary stopping of eating and drinking to develop a conceptual model. Design: A qualitative holistic multiple case study. Methods: We conducted narrative interviews with family caregivers (N = 17). We first analysed them inductively within the cases, followed by a cross-case analysis to merge the experiences into a conceptual model. Results: Family caregivers who could accept their loved one's wish to die stood up for the last will, especially when the cognitive abilities declined. They had to take on the role of an advocate to protect their self-determination from others who tried to interrupt the process. In their advocacy, they found themselves constantly in moral discrepancies. Usually without support, they provided nursing care until death. The subsequent processing phase was characterized by evaluating the dying situation and placing voluntary stopping of eating and drinking in their value scheme.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)624-636
Number of pages13
JournalNursing Open
Volume9
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 01 Jan 2022
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Caregivers/psychology
  • Humans
  • Qualitative Research

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