Year: 2016
Type: article
Abstract: PURPOSE: We sought to understand decision making, family involvement, and cultural factors that influence palliative care for Guatemalans. DESIGN: A qualitative descriptive study was conducted in Guatemala to explore palliative care experiences among seven participants. FINDINGS: The overarching theme was Relief from Suffering, reinforced by three support systems: the family, community rezadora, and priest. The family made decisions and provided physical care. The rezadora sang prayers and prepared the home altar. The priest provided traditional sacraments. DISCUSSION: The role of the rezadora should be considered in providing palliative care to Guatemalans. Some Guatemalans are unfamiliar with or have difficulty understanding the role of the nurse in palliative and end-of-life care. IMPLICATIONS: We suggest training opportunities using international resources to enhance the role for Guatemalan nurses in end-of-life care. Palliative care nurses in the United States may benefit from incorporating the rezadora into strategies that extend these services to Guatemalans.
Source: Journal of Transcultural Nursing
Authors: Erin Traister, Kim L. Larson, Dell Hagwood
Institutions: Mission Health, East Carolina University
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
Funder: Sigma Theta Tau International
OpenAlex ID: W2501314214