Dignity at End of Life: An Interpretive-Systemic Framework

Abstract

This study used both “micro” and “meso” levels of inquiries to attain a holistic understanding of dignified end-of-life care in the Hong Kong Chinese context. Through interviews with 18 terminal cancer patients and 18 of their family caregivers, together with four focus groups with 30 key informants involved in a end-of-life care pathway programme, 31 themes that elucidate dignity have been generated. These themes are organized into 9 categories that together have formed the Interpretive-Systemic Framework of Dignity; which highlights the individual, familial and institutional dimensions of dignity, and underscores the socio-political, socio-cultural and socio-spiritual contexts that dignity is embedded. Objectives: 1. Discuss the theoretical and empirical foundation of dignity at end-of-life care in both Western and Chinese societies. 2. Recognize the critical connection between the individual, familial and institutional perspectives for understanding dignified end-of-life care. References: 1. Ho, A.H.Y., Chan, C.L.W., Leung, P.P.Y., Chochinov, H.M., Neimeyer, R.A., Pang, S.M.C., & Tse, D.M.W. (2013). Living and dying with dignity in Chinese society: Perspectives of older palliative care patients in Hong Kong. Age and Aging, 42(4), 455-461. 2. Ho, A.H.Y., Leung, P.P.Y., Tse, D.M.W., Pang, S.M.C., Chochinov, H.M., Neimeyer, N.A. & Chan, C.L.W. (2013). Dignity amidst liminality: Suffering within healing among Chinese terminal cancer patients. Death Studies, 37, 953-970. 3. Chan, C.L.W., Ho, A.H.Y., Leung, P.P.Y., Chochinov, H.M., Neimeyer, N.A., Pang, S.M.C., & D.M.W Tse. (2012). The blessing and curses of filial piety on dignity at the end-oflife: Lived experience of Hong Kong Chinese Adult Children Caregivers. Journal of Ethnic and Cultural Diversity in Social Work, 21: 277-296. 3. Utilize an interpretive-systemic framework that emphazises the socio-political, socio-cultural and socio-spiritual structures of society for promoting living and dying with dignity.