Uncertainties experienced by family members when one parent is dying

Abstract

Purpose: This research examined uncertainty as a salient theme for families in which a parent was dying while receiving hospice care.

Methods: Interviews were conducted with 61 participants from 26 families in the parent study to explore the strategies used by adolescents with a parent in a hospice. Second interviews were conducted with 15 original participants after the death of their parent. Conventional content analysis was used to analyse data.

Results: Uncertainty was a prevalent and salient theme in the participants' stories revealing patterns about the causes, barriers, effects and strategies used to manage uncertainty.

Conclusion: Uncertainties associated with the end of life can be problematic for some people, requiring attention by health professionals.

Keywords: End of Life; Hospice; Qualitative research; Uncertainty.