Concept Analysis of Good Death in the Japanese Community

Abstract

Integration of findings from the concept analysis and field research results in more accurate understanding of good death. Knowing the individual concept of good death enables nurses to provide culturally competent care to achieve an optimum death experience for both patients and families.

What constitutes a good death?: implications for family nurse practitioners in rural British Columbia

“…Likewise, our expectations for EOL are values-based and modifiable over time. They are dependent on our personal experience with illness and the health care system, as well as changes in health status and life context (Borreani & Miccinesi, 2008;Goldsteen et al , 2006;Hattori, McCubbin, & Ishida, 2006;Heyland et al , 2006;Hughes, Schumacher, Jacobs-Lawson, & Arnold, 2008;Jacques & Hasselkus, 2004;Kehl, 2006;Kelly & Minty, 2007;Masson, 2002;Miyashita, Sanjo, Morita, Hirai, & Uchitomi, 2007;Pierson, Curtis, & Patrick, 2002;Steinhauser et al , 2000b;Tong et al , 2003 ;Veillette, Fillion, Wilson, Thomas, & Dumont, 2010;Vig, Davenport, & Pearlman, 2002;Wilson et al , 2009a). Due to globalization and the diversity associated with multicultural societies, the concept of a good death and the factors influencing individual wishes related to a good death experience are becoming more complex and variable (Hattori et al).…”

“…Sociocultural connectedness reflects more than ethnicity, race, or language affiliation. It includes historical understandings; political, social, and religious affiliations; one's life experiences and relationships; along with the meaning and importance individuals ' assign to these attributes (Hattori et al , 2006;Wilson et al , 2009a;Veillette et al , 201 0). How a person views social connectedness and culture therefore influences how sensitive he/she is to these influences on others ' EOL experiences and preferences when supporting a good death.…”

“…The literature provides numerous references to culturally derived preferences and the importance of sensitivity to these needs (Borreani & Miccinesi, 2008;Bullock et al , 2005;Hattori et al, 2006;Kelly & Minty, 2007;Tayeb et al , 2010;Tong et al , 2003). While many studies referred to cultural groups based on race, ethnicity, or spiritual affiliation (Hirai et al, 2006;Kelly & Minty;Leung et al, 2009;Matsui & Braun, 2009;Miyashita et al , 2007;SmithStoner, 2007;Toscani et al , 2003), several also presented culture from the experiential paradigm of age, diagnosis, or place of residence (Gott et al, 2008;Hendrickson & McCorkle, 2008;Hirai et al 2006;Hughes et al , 2008;McGrath, 2007;Mjelde-Mossey & Chan, 2007;Pierson et al , 2002;Tang, 2003;Thomas, Morris, & Clark, 2004;Veillette et al, 2010;Vig et al , 2002;Vig & Pearlman, 2004;Wilson et al , 2009a).…”

“…While many studies referred to cultural groups based on race, ethnicity, or spiritual affiliation (Hirai et al, 2006;Kelly & Minty;Leung et al, 2009;Matsui & Braun, 2009;Miyashita et al , 2007;SmithStoner, 2007;Toscani et al , 2003), several also presented culture from the experiential paradigm of age, diagnosis, or place of residence (Gott et al, 2008;Hendrickson & McCorkle, 2008;Hirai et al 2006;Hughes et al , 2008;McGrath, 2007;Mjelde-Mossey & Chan, 2007;Pierson et al , 2002;Tang, 2003;Thomas, Morris, & Clark, 2004;Veillette et al, 2010;Vig et al , 2002;Vig & Pearlman, 2004;Wilson et al , 2009a). Hattori et al (2006) added the dimension of sociocultural norms to highlight the need for considering how one 's cultural, historical , political, and religious influences shape good death ideals and subsequent expectations for EOL care. Despite commonalities identified within and between cultural groups, it is important to remember that these studies only provide a snapshot of particular cultures within specified contexts and therefore should not be interpreted as indicative of generalized cultural beliefs.…”

“…While not all cultural affiliations were identified within the studies reviewed, and assuming there is a continuum of connectedness to traditional culture-based good death preferences, a cultural needs assessment may help identify specific EOL care considerations. It is also important to remember that while core values may be shared within sociocultural worldviews, good death ideals also reflect other individualized aspects of one's personal context and past experiences (Gott et al , 2008;Hattori et al , 2006;Pierson et al , 2002;Vig & Pearlman, 2004). The diversity of sociocultural affiliation discussed within the literature reinforces the need for health care practitioners to explore each patient's definition of culture, social connectedness, and associated expectations or preferences that need particular consideration when planning EOL care.…”