AFFIRMING THE CONNECTION: COMPARATIVE FINDINGS ON COMMUNICATION ISSUES FROM HOSPICE PATIENTS AND HEMATOLOGY SURVIVORS

Abstract

The following discussion presents comparative findings from hospice patients and hematology survivors on the topic of talking about dying to significant others within their network of family and friends. The insights have been gathered from an Australian research program that is exploring the notion of spirituality in relation to serious illness. The findings document the participants’ awareness, acceptance, and fear of dying. It documents the difficulty associated with talking about dying, which creates voids in relationships and deprives seriously ill individuals of their sense of normality, at a time when they have a strong need to talk and share experiences. Six specific blocks to communication are explored, along with as emphasis on the importance of communicating with others who have a similar life experience.

I thank Mrs. Emma Phillips and Mrs. Janet Brown for their work as Research Assistants and Mrs. Elaine Phillips for her work transcribing the audiotapes for the study.