Communication problems and conflicts in palliative care An explorative research project to improve the quality of care at the end of life

Projektleitung: Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Andreas Kruse
Research Group: Britta Wendelstein, M.A.
Partners: Osnabrück University, Prof. Dr. phil. habil. Hartmut Remmers, M.A.
Duration: 01.01.2015 – 31.12.2016
Funding: German Research Foundation (DFG)

Description

The care for critically ill and dying persons is a challenge for the affected persons, their family members and their caregivers. Conflicts of ethical, communicative or interpersonal origin can be an additional burden affecting a trustful relationship between all involved persons.

Regarding these issues affected persons will be interviewed about their current situation of care. Interviews will be conducted in cooperation with Osnabrück University. Topics of the interviews are for example the arrangement and perception of the relationships with caregivers. These subjective views shall provide insight into wishes, needs and ways of problem solving of dying persons.

In a later project step caregivers shall be informed about needs, desires and feelings of the affected persons. Therfore results of the interviews will be reflected and discussed with caregivers in focus groups.

Aims

To comprehend the causes and origins of conflic situations between dying persons and their caregivers in different care situations with varying conditions. To develop and implement trainings for caregivers concerning communication problems and conflicts in palliative care.