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Living and Healing During Life-Threatening Illness
The Coalition's initial research study painted a vivid picture of what it's really like to live with a life threatening illness. In their own voices, patients and their family members described their day-to-day challenges, their hopes and fears. Caregivers, both family members and health professionals, talked about how it impacted them to care for a very ill or dying person. Bereaved family members spoke frankly about what helped and what didn't as they accompanied their loved one on the journey toward death.
The lessons learned from this focus group study conducted at 11 sites throughout the nation provides a powerful roadmap for what health care organizations must do if they are to address the real needs of their patients who are dealing with grave illnesses.
Read the executive summary of Living and Healing During Life-Threatening Illness (June, 1997)
The companion videotape is a powerful tool for stimulating discussion about the need for excellence in palliative care and system strategies to improve care. It can be ordered from the Catholic Health Association of the United States by calling 314-253-3458. Cost is $16.00 plus shipping. Video is accompanied by a printed copy of the executive summary. |
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