1. Feeding: what it means to patients and caregivers and how these views influence Singaporean Chinese caregivers' decisions to continue feeding at the end of life.
- Author
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Chai HZ, Krishna LK, and Wong VH
- Subjects
- Adult, Aged, Aged, 80 and over, China ethnology, Cross-Sectional Studies, Female, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Palliative Care methods, Palliative Care psychology, Singapore epidemiology, Surveys and Questionnaires, Terminal Care methods, Young Adult, Caregivers psychology, Feeding Methods psychology, Terminal Care psychology
- Abstract
Introduction: The decision-making process underlying caregivers' choice to continue feeding at the end of life is not well understood., Objectives: To provide a better understanding of the complex interplay of factors that influence the decision by caregivers to continue feeding., Methods: Palliative care patients and their main caregiver recruited at National Cancer Centre Singapore between May and July 2011 were included. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire., Results: One hundred respondents were included. Three major prevailing themes were identified: filial piety, source of hope, and expression of affection. Nonparametric statistical testing showed that patients and caregivers shared similar views about feeding at the end of life., Discussion: The major themes identified above undergird the caregiver's decision to continue feeding at the end of life.
- Published
- 2014
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