Cross-cultural conceptualization of a good end of life with dementia: A qualitative study

Mayumi Nishimura*, Karen Harrison Dening, Elizabeth L. Sampson, Edison Iglesias de Oliveira Vidal, Wilson Correia de Abreu, Sharon Kaasalainen, Yvonne Eisenmann, Laura Dempsey, Kirsten J. Moore, Nathan Davies, Sascha R. Bolt, Judith M. M. Meijers, Natashe Lemos Dekker, Mitsunori Miyashita, Miharu Nakanishi, Takeo Nakayama, Jenny T. van der Steen

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleScientificpeer-review

8 Citations (Scopus)
73 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Background 

Research on the nature of a "good death" has mostly focused on dying with cancer and other life-limiting diseases, but less so on dementia. Conceptualizing common cross-cultural themes regarding a good end of life in dementia will enable developing international care models. 

Methods 

We combined published qualitative studies about end of life with dementia, focus group and individual interviews with the researchers, and video-conferencing and continuous email discussions. The interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. The data were analyzed thematically, and the researchers developed common themes referring to their original studies. Results Fourteen qualitative researchers representing 14 cross-cultural studies covering qualitative data of 121 people with dementia and 292 family caregivers. The researchers and data were from eight countries UK, The Netherlands, Japan, Portugal, Germany, Canada, Brazil, and Ireland. Three focus groups, five individual interviews, and video-conferencing were conducted and feedback on multiple iterations was gained by 190 emails between May 2019 and April 2020 until consensus was achieved. Nine cross-culturally common themes emerged from the discussions and shared interpretation of the data of persons with dementia and family caregivers. Three represent basic needs: "Pain and Symptoms Controlled," "Being Provided Basic Care," and "A Place like Home." Other themes were "Having Preferences Met," "Receiving Respect as a Person," "Care for Caregivers," "Identity Being Preserved," "Being Connected," and "Satisfaction with Life and Spiritual Well-being." "Care for Caregivers" showed the greatest difference in emphasis across cultures. Good relationships were essential in all themes. 

Conclusions 

The common cross-cultural themes comprise a framework underpinned by value placed on personhood and dignity, emphasizing that interdependency through relationships is essential to promote a good end of life with dementia. These themes and valuing the importance of relationships as central to connecting the themes could support care planning and further development of a dementia palliative care model.

Trial registration 

The Graduate School and Faculty of Medicine Kyoto University (R1924-1)


Original languageEnglish
Article number106
Number of pages18
JournalBMC Palliative Care
Volume21
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2022

Keywords

  • Caregivers
  • Concept Formation
  • Cross-Cultural Comparison
  • Death
  • Dementia/therapy
  • Humans
  • Qualitative Research
  • Terminal Care/methods

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Cross-cultural conceptualization of a good end of life with dementia: A qualitative study'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this