ABSTRACT
While many cultures worldwide embrace mortality as a natural part of human existence, many in the United States (US) remain death-averse, utilizing ever-advancing medical technology to stave off mortality. Dying, as a result, is less of a human process and more of a mechanical one in which it is increasingly difficult to determine the exact moment of death. End-of-life care is often placed in the hands of healthcare professionals. Within various healthcare systems in the US, there is a widespread movement to increase access for those with serious and terminal illnesses to palliative and hospice care. In many ways, palliative and hospice care are the most holistic care modalities covered by medical health insurance plans. However, most palliative care healthcare professionals are unaware of the unique sexuality-related needs of individuals with serious and terminal illnesses, thus neglecting this important part of the whole person. The goal of this study was to engage in phenomenological interviews with those receiving hospice care to answer the following question: How do individuals receiving hospice care experience their own sexuality? Lead researcher partnered with local nonprofit hospice agency to recruit participants for phenomenological interviews. Due to many challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, only one interview occurred, during which the lead researcher dialogued with the participant regarding a broader understanding of sexuality utilizing the Circles of Sexuality model to frame the interview. The researcher used background research, findings from interview, and her own professional experiences to develop in-depth curriculum on sexuality at end of life. Curriculum includes four lesson plans developed for the following audiences: individuals with serious illness, personal caregivers of those with serious illness, and palliative care healthcare professionals. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)