ABSTRACT
This study addressed the question of whether there are attitudes that may be psychologically beneficial to the dying, their families, and their caregivers. The Omega Attitudes Inventory was distributed to 467 systematically selected hospice coordinators nationwide. The responses of 327 (70%) indicated high concordance with patient attitudes contributing to a “healthy” death. The identified attitudes were qualitatively enhanced through anecdote and the literature. The study concluded with implications for clinical practice and further research.
Additional information
Notes on contributors
Douglas C. Smith
Douglas C. Smith, MDiv, MA, is Director of Counseling and Family Services, Hospice of Central Iowa, Des Moines, IA.
Michael Forrest Maher
Michael Forrest Maher, PhD, is Coordinator of Graduate Studies in the College of Education & Health Sciences at Bradley University, Peoria, IL.