A Study of the Experience of Patients with Terminal Cancer Who are in an Independent Hospice Center

호스피스 간호시 말기 암환자의 임종 현상 연구 -독립형 호스피스 센타를 중심으로-

This study is a phenomenological study done to promote understanding of the dying process in patients with terminal cancer who were in an independent hospice center. The purpose of study was to explore and understand indepth information on the dying process in order to provide data for holistic hospice care in nursing and to give insights in to practical applications in the nursing care In-depth interviewing was done from may, through November, 1995 with 11 patient with cancer who were being cared for at K Hospice Care Center. Experiences in the dying process were discussed as they expressed feelings about death including (a) feeling of isolation because family members try to hide the diagnosis of cancer. (b) hopelessness, (c) guilt, anger, and hostility, (d) suffering from pain, (e) fear of death. However, subjects did not deny death itself and were developing peace of mind and acceptance of death through religion.