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Communicating terminal diagnoses to Hispanic patients

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  23 March 2010

Iraida V. Carrion
Iraida V. Carrion*
Affiliation:
School of Social Work, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida
*
Address correspondence and reprint requests to: Iraida V. Carrion, University of South Florida, School of Social Work, 4202 East Fowler Ave., MGY 132 Tampa, FL 33620-6600. E-mail: [email protected]
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Abstract

Objective:

This study addressed factors physicians employ in their communication of a terminal diagnosis and a hospice referral to Hispanic patients.

Method:

The research method used was an exploratory qualitative in-depth semi-structured interview with thematic analysis. The interviews were with ten physicians in Central Florida. The interviews were conducted in Spanish and/or English with physicians who serve terminally ill Hispanic patients.

Results:

The findings provide vital information on factors that impact communication of diagnosis and hospice referral. Themes emerged relating to role of family members and end-of-life decision-making. Language barriers and limited knowledge of cultural factors and beliefs impacted communication related to end-of-life decisions. Gaps in training and education for physicians were also identified.

Significance of results:

These results suggest that discussing end-of-life issues with the diverse category of Hispanic patients and families will be enhanced by eliminating language barriers, increased understanding of the role of family members, and knowledge of cultural factors and beliefs related to end-of-life decisions.

Keywords

End of lifeHospice knowledgeCommunicationDecision-makingReferrals
Type
Original Articles
Information
Palliative & Supportive Care , Volume 8 , Issue 2 , June 2010 , pp. 117 - 123
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2010

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