Wendy Walker, Jennifer Jones, Stacey Owen, Peter Kevern, Nikolaos Efstathiou
{"title":"Care after death: Bereaved family experiences of a nurse-led supported viewing service.","authors":"Wendy Walker, Jennifer Jones, Stacey Owen, Peter Kevern, Nikolaos Efstathiou","doi":"10.12968/ijpn.2024.0076","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.12968/ijpn.2024.0076","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Viewing the deceased person is an integral part of hospital-based bereavement care and support. To date, research to guide this practice is scarce.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To describe and interpret the bereaved family lived experience of an in-hospital supported viewing service situated in an acute hospital facility in the UK. A specific objective was to uncover and examine personal reflections on the choices and care provided.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A qualitative exploratory design involving telephone interviews with ten family members, bereaved of an adult relative. Data were subjected to interpretative phenomenological analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Three group experiential themes and seven subthemes were developed from the data. Thematic findings provide insights into the context of viewing and family care, informed choice and the reasons behind a decision to view, personal preferences, observations and reactions to viewing, the intimacy of the viewing experience and the hallmarks of quality care.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The acute hospital, as a core provider of end-of-life care requires a workforce who are skilled to provide practical and relational care after death. The quality of care in preparing and presenting the deceased person for viewing, the ambience of the viewing facility and a compassionate, person-centred approach appeared central to a positive viewing experience. Consideration should be given to the supportive role of a specialist bereavement nurse and interprofessional team contributions to viewing practices and care.</p>","PeriodicalId":94055,"journal":{"name":"International journal of palliative nursing","volume":"31 8","pages":"392-402"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144983954","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Michelle Traverse, Susan D Mueller, Susan DeSanto-Madeya, Melissa A Sutherland
{"title":"Sexuality and intimacy in the context of palliative and end-of-life care: a scoping review.","authors":"Michelle Traverse, Susan D Mueller, Susan DeSanto-Madeya, Melissa A Sutherland","doi":"10.12968/ijpn.2024.0058","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.12968/ijpn.2024.0058","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>This scoping review identifies what is known about patient/partner sexuality and intimacy needs during end-of-life care and how healthcare professionals' (HCPs) approach these needs.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Following PRISMA-ScR, articles available in English published between 2010-2024 were screened.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 18 articles were included in the review. Four themes were identified: 1) negative impact of serious illness on sexuality and intimacy, 2) barriers and facilitators to addressing sexuality, 3) tension between expansive and genital-focused approaches to sexuality and intimacy, and 4) a disconnect between patient/partner needs and HCP preparation.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Patient/partner sexuality and intimacy needs were consistent across cultural context and over time. HCPs require clear and comprehensive training to improve their ability to address sexuality and intimacy during end-of-life care. Taking an expansive view of sexuality and intimacy during this time may facilitate HCP interventions.</p>","PeriodicalId":94055,"journal":{"name":"International journal of palliative nursing","volume":"31 8","pages":"380-391"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144984000","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Participation in bereavement groups during societal crises: practical engagement and psychological experiences.","authors":"Ulla Näppä","doi":"10.12968/ijpn.2024.0006","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.12968/ijpn.2024.0006","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Bereavement groups offering support to people after a loss can be adapted and conducted in alternative ways due to societal crises. This study aimed to explore the experiences of bereaved people participating in in-person bereavement groups during the pandemic, as an illustration of how offering bereavement support can be adapted in response to societal crises.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>Semi-structured interviews were conducted and analysed using content analysis.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>The main category identified was 'the need to tell my story in times of isolation' emphasising the need to meet others in in-person meetings. Five sub-categories emerged: 'supportive storytelling for myself and for others', 'impact of the pandemic', 'role of the counsellors', 'homogeneity and design of the groups' and 'life after bereavement groups'.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Participants were clear that they preferred in-person bereavement groups. Meetings outdoors were made possible through the counsellors' prudence and imagination. Increased support from healthcare providers can reduce prolonged grief.</p>","PeriodicalId":94055,"journal":{"name":"International journal of palliative nursing","volume":"31 8","pages":"370-379"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144983985","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Research Roundup.","authors":"Laura Green","doi":"10.12968/ijpn.2025.0068","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.12968/ijpn.2025.0068","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Synopses of a selection of recently published research articles of relevance to palliative care.</p>","PeriodicalId":94055,"journal":{"name":"International journal of palliative nursing","volume":"31 7","pages":"360-362"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144692842","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Exploring the impact of virtual gastronomic tourism on eating experience.","authors":"Masahiro Shirotsuki, Junko Sugama, Satoshi Otsuki, Kazuyuki Niki, Linda Osti, Shoko Oiwa, Takahiro Ushida","doi":"10.12968/ijpn.2025.0008","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.12968/ijpn.2025.0008","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Loss of appetite is a prevalent issue in palliative care, often diminishing people's quality of life and emotional wellbeing. Virtual reality (VR) presents new avenues for delivering emotionally meaningful and multisensory experiences that may help address this challenge.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>This pilot study examined the feasibility and emotional effects of a VR-based gastronomic tourism intervention, with a focus on appetite stimulation, food enjoyment and perceived sensory enhancement. The study aimed to explore its potential application in clinical trials involving patients receiving end-of-life care.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Six healthy university students took part in this preliminary study to evaluate the intervention protocol prior to clinical implementation. Each participant recorded a first-person video of a personalised noodle meal and 1 week later, they re-experienced their own dining footage via a head-mounted VR display while consuming an instant version of the same meal. Appetite and emotional responses were assessed using self-report questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. Qualitative data were analysed thematically.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Participants generally reported enhanced appetite, greater enjoyment of food and immersive engagement during the VR session. Thematic analysis revealed two consistent patterns: (1) heightened sensory perception, including perceived increases in flavour intensity and temperature, and (2) mixed usability experiences, with some participants noting minor discomfort such as dizziness or reduced food visibility. No adverse physiological reactions were observed.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Findings suggest that VR-based gastronomic tourism experiences are feasible and may enhance both the sensory and emotional dimensions of eating. Although responses varied between individuals, the intervention holds promise for future application in clinical or palliative care contexts, particularly with adjustments to improve usability and personalisation.</p>","PeriodicalId":94055,"journal":{"name":"International journal of palliative nursing","volume":"31 7","pages":"318-324"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144683897","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Jonah Abordo, April Casabona, Geraldine Resonable, Roison Andro Narvaez
{"title":"A review of telehospice use during the COVID-19 pandemic.","authors":"Jonah Abordo, April Casabona, Geraldine Resonable, Roison Andro Narvaez","doi":"10.12968/ijpn.2025.0022","DOIUrl":"10.12968/ijpn.2025.0022","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted traditional hospice care, prompting the use of telehospice to deliver end-of-life services remotely while maintaining quality and continuity of care.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>This integrative review examines the feasibility, effectiveness and challenges of telehospice during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a focus on patient outcomes and caregiver experiences.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>An integrative review approach was used to analyse 12 peer-reviewed studies published between January 2020 and June 2023.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>Telehospice enhanced access to care in rural and underserved areas, enabled timely symptom management and strengthened interdisciplinary collaboration. Families reported improved communication, emotional support and involvement in decision-making. However, challenges to telehospice care such as limited internet access, digital literacy gaps and difficulties replicating the intimacy of in-person care were frequently noted.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Telehospice is a feasible and acceptable model for end-of-life care. Ongoing investment in infrastructure, training and equitable access is essential for long-term integration.</p>","PeriodicalId":94055,"journal":{"name":"International journal of palliative nursing","volume":"31 7","pages":"337-347"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144683896","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Life in the fast lane.","authors":"Julia Downing","doi":"10.12968/ijpn.2025.0059","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.12968/ijpn.2025.0059","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":94055,"journal":{"name":"International journal of palliative nursing","volume":"31 7","pages":"315-316"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144683898","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"A qualitative study exploring overseas Chinese understanding and experiences of advance care planning.","authors":"Zhuangshuang Li, Esther Beck, Sonja McIlfatrick, Felicity Hasson","doi":"10.12968/ijpn.2024.0018","DOIUrl":"10.12968/ijpn.2024.0018","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Globally, engaging in advance care planning (ACP) conversations to arrange end-of-life preferences is advocated as a public health issue. Most research on this issue has focused on the general public rather than distinct diaspora/migrant groups. There is evidence to suggest poor end-of-life outcomes are experienced by the Chinese diaspora, but there is a lack of research on their understanding and engagement with ACP.</p><p><strong>Aims: </strong>To explore understanding, experience and views on ACP among members of the Northern Ireland Chinese community.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Semi-structured interviews were held with 17 purposively selected participants connected to voluntary Chinese organisations in Northern Ireland. The interviews were translated and subject to thematic analysis.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>Three primary themes were identified: (1) 'Awareness of ACP', (2) 'Cross-cultural influences', and (3) 'Engagement with ACP'. Findings indicated a low level of Chinese diaspora awareness regarding ACP, with misconceptions commonly reported. Traditional Chinese cultures such as filial piety, the role of authority and links to native country were found to be important factors, that influenced awareness, understanding and engagement in ACP. These findings have implications for nurses engaging in ACP conversations.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Evidence indicates the need for public health interventions to be cognisant of differing diaspora groups within society. Results suggest that cultural influences play a role in the understanding and engagement with ACP. The importance of the diaspora identity should be considered when initiating and engaging in ACP conversations, alongside the need for culturally appropriate approaches to ensure equitable access and engagement with ACP.</p>","PeriodicalId":94055,"journal":{"name":"International journal of palliative nursing","volume":"31 7","pages":"326-336"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144683895","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Women with metastatic breast cancer supportive care needs.","authors":"Derya Çinar, Aslıhan Öztürk Çetin, Özlem Onay","doi":"10.12968/ijpn.2024.0042","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.12968/ijpn.2024.0042","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Supportive care needs may increase in women with metastatic breast cancers concerning disease burden. The study's purpose was to determine the supportive care needs of women with metastatic breast cancer. The study was conducted in a cross-sectional design between January and December 2022. The sample of the study consisted of 92 women with metastatic breast cancer who met the inclusion criteria. Data were collected using the Individual Descriptive Information Form and the Supportive Care Needs Scale. A significant majority of the women with metastatic breast cancer reported having supportive care needs. The participants' supportive care needs were as follows: 93.5% for physical and daily life, 88% for spiritual/psychological needs, 86% for healthcare system and information, 56.5% for sexuality and 43.5% for patient care and support. This study determined the supportive care needs of women with metastatic breast cancer and revealed that the majority of patients have support needs related to physical, psychological, access to information, sexuality and patient care. The findings emphasise the necessity for individualised care processes and the importance of nurses taking an active role in symptom management, psychological support and information services. The effectiveness of digital health solutions and multidisciplinary care approaches should be investigated to ensure the creation of evidence-based health policies. It is recommended that future studies evaluate the changing care needs of patients in the long term, thereby contributing to the development of evidence-based health policies.</p>","PeriodicalId":94055,"journal":{"name":"International journal of palliative nursing","volume":"31 7","pages":"348-359"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144683899","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}