Qualitative Research Interviews in Palliative Care
Author Information
Author(s): Gysels Marjolein, Shipman Cathy, Higginson Irene J
Primary Institution: King's College London
Hypothesis
What are the perceptions of palliative care patients and carers regarding the benefits and problems of open interviews?
Conclusion
Open interviews allow patients and carers to express their perspectives and can be therapeutic, although discussing the future may be challenging.
Supporting Evidence
- Most participants found the interviews helpful and therapeutic.
- Sharing experiences during interviews was empowering for patients and carers.
- Discussing the future was often the most challenging aspect of the interviews.
Takeaway
Talking to patients and their caregivers about their experiences can be really helpful and make them feel better, even if it’s sometimes hard to think about the future.
Methodology
Descriptive qualitative study using semi-structured, open-ended interviews.
Potential Biases
Potential social desirability bias in participants' responses.
Limitations
The study could not determine if distress occurred after the interviews ended.
Participant Demographics
Participants included 56 patients and 25 carers from the Experience of Breathlessness study and 20 patients and 3 carers from the Experience of Cancer study.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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