Integrating palliative care: a postmodern perspective

Am J Hosp Palliat Care. 2006 Aug-Sep;23(4):255-8. doi: 10.1177/1049909106290242.

Abstract

Hospice and palliative care philosophy is becoming increasingly incorporated into medical practice, education, and research. However, this process of integration may be hindered by continued adherence to several perceived conceptual dichotomies: natural and medicalized death, research and clinical care, and acceptance and denial of dying. These dichotomies were perhaps essential for the initial development of palliative care but could undermine the continuing evolution of care for the terminally ill. In this article, the authors deconstruct these dichotomies and advocate for a fully integrated model of palliative care.

Publication types

  • Editorial
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Attitude of Health Personnel
  • Attitude to Death*
  • Delivery of Health Care, Integrated / organization & administration*
  • Delivery of Health Care, Integrated / standards
  • Hospice Care / organization & administration*
  • Hospice Care / standards
  • Humans
  • Palliative Care / organization & administration*
  • Palliative Care / standards
  • Patient Rights
  • Terminally Ill
  • Thanatology
  • United States