Search

This article presents the findings of a cross-cultural research project that explored similarities and differences between palliative care service provision in Kerala, India and South-East Queensland, Australia, to inform a process of mutual learning for service development. Three major points of difference that can inform this process of mutual learning were identified: 1) an understanding of the significance of honesty in information-giving to the patient, 2) recognition of the importance of palliative care specialists providing education to mainstream health professionals, and 3) appreciation of the need for palliative care to be cognizant of the socio-economic impact of dying--especially for families experiencing poverty--by embracing strategies for financial and material support. The findings highlight the effectiveness of a cross-cultural collaboration between health professionals and researchers in South-East Queensland, Australia and Kerala, India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To describe Aboriginal peoples' post-death cultural practices in the Northern Territory. Methods: The data were collected from 72 qualitative interviews conducted throughout the regional, rural and remote areas of the Northern Territory, Australia, with Aboriginal patients and carers, and the health professionals who cared for them. Results: The findings indicated the importance to Aboriginal peoples of viewing the body, and post-death bereavement practices of group wailing, which can be coupled with physical expressions of self-mutilation and removal of clothing. Special ceremonies are reported for times when the body is returned home and there are strong relationship-based practices about which persons are able to handle the body. Conclusion: The findings provide useful information for palliative care nurses working with Aboriginal peoples to ensure appropriate cultural understanding and an informed response to practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To explore indigenous peoples' experience of relocation for medical treatment during end-of-life care. Methods: The data were collected from 72 qualitative interviews conducted throughout the regional, rural and remote areas of the Northern Territory, Australia, with Aboriginal patients and carers and the health professionals who cared for them. Results: Relocation for indigenous peoples is a frightening experience. There are a myriad of fears including: the fear of leaving home, especially for people who had never been away from their homelands; the fear of disempowerment associated with leaving the support of family networks; fears about hospital environments and 'high-tech' treatments; fear of cultural alienation for familiar foods and ways of being; fear of travel; fear of loneliness; fear of language and communication barriers; financial fears; and fear of dying away from the homeland. Conclusion: The findings demonstrate the strong need for building up local palliative care services and raise significant questions about the cultural appropriateness of the Western biomedical rationale for relocation during end-of-life care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]