Death Doulas’ Experiences With and Perspectives on Unusual End-Of-Life Phenomena

Abstract

Twenty-six death doulas completed an online survey about their experiences with and beliefs about unusual end-of-life phenomena (EOLP). Consistent with the results of previous studies involving people who work with the dying (i.e., doctors, nurses, hospice palliative care volunteers, nursing home staff) death doulas had commonly observed or been told about various EOLP in their work supporting people through the dying process. Deathbed visions were the most witnessed and reported EOLP. Death doulas indicated that they were comfortable talking about EOLP with their clients and clients’ families and most or almost all endorsed spiritual or transpersonal explanations for EOLP over scientific or medical ones. Death doulas have an important role to play in normalizing, validating, and educating their clients and clients’ families about EOLP.