El significado de morir dignamente desde la perspectiva de las personas cuidadoras: estudio fenomenológico / The meaning of dying with dignity from caregivers perspective: a phenomenological study

OBJETIVO: Explorar el significado de morir con dignidad desde la experiencia vivida por los testigos directos que han acompañado este proceso en personas fallecidas en Andalucía. MÉTODO: Estudio fenomenológico multicéntrico en el que se han analizado los discursos obtenidos en los grupos de discusión de 5 provincias andaluzas con la participación de 40 personas. El análisis de los datos se ha realizado a través de la propuesta de Van Manem.como herramienta informática hemos utilizado el programa Atlas Ti 7.0. RESULTADOS: El acompañamiento de los seres queridos se erige como elemento clave en la percepción de una muerte digna. También se destaca según orden de prioridad: el alivio del sufrimiento, el buen trato profesional, la capacidad de decidir y la posibilidad de expresar la dimensión espiritual. La cumplimentación de voluntades vitales anticipadas apenas es mencionada. CONCLUSIÓN: Se confirman como elementos esenciales los definidos en la Ley 2/2010, de morir con dignidad (sin sufrimiento, en compañía, respetando deseos, y posibilitando la despedida y el sentido trascendente del proceso de morir). Las personas cuidadoras en el final de la vida priorizan los aspectos psicosociales, destacando la necesidad de acompañamiento, la despedida de los seres queridos y el buen trato profesional sobre los aspectos físicos. La promoción de la Ley de Muerte Digna y Voluntades Vitales Anticipadas se encuentra aún en desarrollo

OBJECTIVE: To explore the meaning of dying with dignity from the perspective of the direct witnesses who have accompanied this process in dying people from Andalusia. METHOD: Phenomenological study conducted in different centres, which including analysing the transcriptions of the dialogues from discussion groups with 40 participants in five provinces in Southern Spain. The data was analysed using the Van Manen proposal and Atlas Ti 7.0 program was applied as a software tool. RESULTS: Being in the company of loved ones is noted as a key element in the perception of a dignified death. The following elements, according to a priority order, were also pointed out: relief of suffering, a good professional care, decision making ability, and the opportunity to consider their spiritual dimension. Achievement of their Living Wills is hardly mentioned. CONCLUSIONS: The essential elements defined in the Death with Dignity Law, 2/2010 are confirmed as being true (without suffering, with company, respecting living wills, having possibilities of the farewell, and the transcendental meaning of the death process). Caregivers, at the end of life, give priority to psychological aspects, underlying the need of company, a farewell of the loved ones, and a good professional care on the physical aspects. The promotion of the dignified Death Law and Living Wills are still being developed

[The meaning of dying with dignity from caregivers perspective: a phenomenological study]. / El significado de morir dignamente desde la perspectiva de las personas cuidadoras: estudio fenomenológico.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the meaning of dying with dignity from the perspective of the direct witnesses who have accompanied this process in dying people from Andalusia. METHOD: Phenomenological study conducted in different centres, which including analysing the transcriptions of the dialogues from discussion groups with 40 participants in five provinces in Southern Spain. The data was analysed using the Van Manen proposal and Atlas Ti 7.0 program was applied as a software tool. RESULTS: Being in the company of loved ones is noted as a key element in the perception of a dignified death. The following elements, according to a priority order, were also pointed out: relief of suffering, a good professional care, decision making ability, and the opportunity to consider their spiritual dimension. Achievement of their Living Wills is hardly mentioned. CONCLUSION: The essential elements defined in the Death with Dignity Law, 2/2010 are confirmed as being true (without suffering, with company, respecting living wills, having possibilities of the farewell, and the transcendental meaning of the death process). Caregivers, at the end of life, give priority to psychological aspects, underlying the need of company, a farewell of the loved ones, and a good professional care on the physical aspects. The promotion of the dignified Death Law and Living Wills are still being developed.