Patients' perceptions of their care at Our Lady's Hospice,Dublin

Abstract

Fifty patients were interviewed prior to admission to Our Lady's Hospice, to identify their needs, expectations, awareness of their illness and awareness of the hospice. A second interview eight days after admission ascertained how these feelings had been affected by their experience of being at the hospice. Prior to admission, over half the patients seemed unaware they were going to the hospice. Not quite half showed awareness of dying. All had one or more distressing physical complaints. Patients expressed hopes of physical relief but many did not expect that it was possible. The second interview indicated that nearly all the patients were satisfied that the hospice care met their needs. The hospice had changed the focus of attention for the patients in the study, so they no longer dwelt on their physical distress and fears for the future.