“Caring for People Dying at Home” by Smith & Porock

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Table of Contents

Summary
Statement of Conclusions
Reference

Summary

The article specifically outlined a purpose to investigate attitudes of Community nurses towards end of life care. From previous studies this appeared to be a major concern because many people would prefer to die at home. However, due to the reluctance of Community nurses to undertake this role it remained unattainable.

Statement of Conclusions

Theoretical Perspective

It was pointed out in the beginning that this article projects a research conducted to identify reasons for significant decline in the amount of patients who die at home as against those desirous of doing so. Thus, the researchers developed the theoretical perspective that if community nurses were trained in strategies of caring for the dying it would be more achievable.

The researchers then emphatically presented four key concepts which guided the investigation namely; community nursing, end of life care; training and education. (Smith & Porock, 2009, pp 601)

Investigative Techniques-Sampling, Instrument and Population

Creditably, structured questionnaires utilizing the survey method were administered. This was adopted in scientifically identifying initial concerns related to the reluctance of community nurses in carrying out end of life care as part of their profession.

A representative sample from a population of 677 registered Community nurses was drawn which can be considered adequate based on the nature of descriptive studies. The population location consisted of two British counties (Smith & Porock 2009, pp 601).

This variable introduces an element of limitation since results cannot be generalized with comparable validity to similar populations of nurses around the world. Precisely, death or dying embraces culturally sensitive paradigms which impose limits in themselves. Therefore, separate studies should be conducted within diverse populations for distinct conclusions to be made on attitudes of Community nurses towards hospice exclusively.

The strength of this study lies in its instrument. Researchers were very intentional in structuring questions which generated relatively accurate measurements of attitudes at various levels. Specifically, they adapted Frommelts’ Attitude to Care of the Dying Scale. This is highly commendable for a study of this nature excluding many patterns of internal and external invalidity.

Display and interpretation of data

In the researchers’ use of descriptive statistical analysis they efficiently presented findings by adopting both qualitative and quantitative features to explain their conclusions. Apart from utilizing percentile tables they supported arguments by implementing correlations to further strengthen their assumptions.

The language style of the writers, in projecting their conclusions, was rather comprehensive. Even though an attempt is deliberately made to keep the display of data highly methodological the tone was more conversational in providing an atmosphere of consultative understanding on the issue. ‘Based on the cut off scores used…… However, the results show roughly….’ (Smith & Porock 2009, pp 605).

The reader was always given an option to agree or disagree, but simultaneously forced to agree due to the evidence purported. There was a section identified ‘discussion’ whereby the reader was subtly encouraged to believe the findings.

Analysis of the relevance of this study to Community Nursing

To offer perspectives on the relevance of this study to community nursing first is to assess how important it is for people desirous of dying at home have their wishes granted within the present health care structure.

Care for the dying has gained momentum over decades. Already many societies have adopted this feature. The demand in the United Kingdom is emergent. Precisely, in realizing that attitudes of Community Health Nurses changed after they were allowed to express how they felt, is vital to the industry. As such, this study can instigate strategies that would encourage acceptance of this care as part of Community Nursing practice

Reference

Smith, R &Porock, D (2009). Caring for people dying at home: A research study into the need for community nurses. International Journal of Palliative Nursing, 15 (12), 601-607.

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