Australian psychologists' perceptions on their role in end‐of‐life care of older adults

Abstract

Objective

The role of the psychologist within End of Life (EOL) care is poorly established, despite calls for greater involvement from both Australian and international researchers. The current study aims to develop a deeper understanding of Australian psychologists' perceptions on their current and potential roles in EOL care.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with registered psychologists (N = 35), and thematic analysis was applied to these interviews to identify themes and subthemes pertaining to psychologists' understandings of their role in EOL care.

Results

Six overarching themes were developed from the interview data: (a) Specific EOL Clients Assessment Skills; (b) Diverse and Multifaceted Interventions with Clients; (c) Skills Used in the Broader EOL system; (d) Barriers to Greater Visibility from Outside the Profession; (e) Barriers within the Profession; (f) Pathways to Greater Visibility.

Conclusion

The potential exists for psychologists to improve psycho‐social‐spiritual‐community outcomes at EOL and to meet the increasing demands of an ageing demographic with greater associated caregiver burden.

Key words:

• ageing
• end of life
• palliative care
• psychologists
• training

Notes

1. While End‐of‐Life (EOL) is generally defined as people are expected to die within the next 12 months, in this article, it will also include palliative care, which involves improving the quality of life of patients and their families experiencing a life‐limiting illness (ASQHC, 2015)

2. Older adults are generally defined by researchers as over the age of 65-years (American Psychological Association, 2017).