Finding privacy from a public death: a qualitative exploration of how a dedicated space for end-of-life care in an acute hospital impacts on dying patients and their families.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

To explore the experiences and perceptions of hospital staff caring for dying patients in a dedicated patient/family room (named Lotus Room).

BACKGROUND

Dying in hospital is a common outcome for people across the world. However, noise and activity in acute environments present barriers to quality end-of-life care. This is of concern because care provided to dying patients has been shown to affect both the patients and the bereaved families.

DESIGN

A qualitative descriptive approach was used.

METHODS

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 17 multidisciplinary staff and seven families provided information through an investigator-developed instrument.

RESULTS

Qualitative data analysis generated three categories describing: Dying in an hospital; The Lotus Room; and the Outcomes for patients and families. The Lotus Room was seen as a large, private and, ultimately, safe space for patients and families within the public hospital environment. Family feedback supported staff perspectives that the Lotus Room facilitated family presence and communication.

CONCLUSIONS

The privacy afforded by the Lotus Room within this acute hospital provided benefits for the dying patients and grieving families. Improved outcomes included a peaceful death for patients, which may have assisted the family with their bereavement.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

This study provides evidence of how the physical environment can address well-established barriers to quality end-of-life care in acute hospitals.