Communication as a Component of the Quality of Life in the Integrated Care for the Dying

Abstract

In Slovenia, a half of all people still die at hospital or care institutions. Therefore, our intention was to find out about communication as one of the basic component of life quality in the process of palliative care. The aim of the research was to determine how communication skills and knowledge of 181 community nurses, members of the primary and specialist palliative team, affect implementation of the integrated care of the dying at home. The data collected by an interview questionnaire were analyzed by relevant quantitative statistical methods. It was found out that communication and knowledge statistically significantly effect knowledge about disease and palliative care plan of patients and their families. Communication builds trust and is foundation for overcoming obstacles in providing quality care for the dying.

DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2016.v7n3s1p70